Is HIV possible after condom failure?

Question

Hello doctor,

I engaged in sexual activity with a sex worker, and during the encounter, the condom tore towards the end. I am now experiencing heightened anxiety, along with numbness throughout my body and body aches. On day nine post-exposure, I took an HIV RNA test, and the result came back negative. Currently, on day 17, I have not experienced fever, cough, or any noticeable symptoms. What steps should I take at this point, and what are the chances of HIV infection? When would be an appropriate time to repeat the test? Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The risk of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) transmission in this scenario is considered low. While your initial HIV RNA test at 7 days returned negative, it might have been too early for an accurate result. The optimal time to detect infection with HIV RNA is after 11 days post-exposure. I would suggest you undergo a 4th generation HIV rapid test at 3 to 4 weeks after the last exposure. If this result is negative, a confirmatory HIV antibody test is recommended at three months post-exposure. Given that you are already approaching the third week post-exposure, I suggest you schedule a 4th generation HIV rapid test within the next week. Also, note that HIV does not typically present with specific symptoms or signs.

Thank you.

Answer 2

These symptoms may or may not be present.