HomeAnswersHIV/AIDS specialistoral candidiasis

Can HIV symptoms appear despite a negative test?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I performed receptive fellatio on a guy 55 days back. I took an RNA PCR (ribonucleic acid polymerase chain reaction) test after 11 days and then again at 35 days, and both were negative. I also took a fourth-generation combo test (antibody and p24) on the 38th day, and it was negative as well.

The problem is, for the last eight to ten days, I have had diarrhea. It was not frequent, but the stool was loose and watery. I also have a white tongue. In the last three to four days, I have developed an ulcer inside my mouth, which is slightly painful.

For the past ten days, I have been feeling tired and weak and sometimes getting a temperature of 99 to 99.3 degrees. Since I have tested negative for all these HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) tests, I cannot understand if I could still have HIV. The net has conflicting information. I also feel I have a slightly sore throat.

I also have a pimple breakout on my nose and under my eye. I am really scared and terrified. Please help. I am attaching the pictures of my tongue.

Is it candidiasis? Or is it just a white tongue? Are the tests I have taken conclusive for HIV being negative?

Please help.

Answered by Dr. Atishay Bukharia

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Atishay Bukharia is a skilled specialist in Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy, with expertise in treating skin, hair, and nail disorders, sexually transmitted infections, and leprosy-related conditions. He is proficient in advanced dermatological procedures, clinical diagnosis, and patient-focused care. Dr. Bukharia is committed to providing comprehensive, evidence-based treatments to promote healthy skin and improve patients' overall dermatological well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Yes, Candida is there. But it is usually the late manifestation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Since all your tests are negative, consider yourself negative unless proved otherwise. All other things can also happen without HIV.

Go for an HIV test one more time, as according to guidelines, two negative tests from different laboratories should be considered negative after possible exposure and at a gap of at least two weeks. The test of choice is human immunodeficiency virus reverse transcriptase and polymerase chain reaction (HIV RT PCR) and HIV-1 and 2 antibody ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay).

Please take the following medications with the consent of your doctor. Tablet AF (Apo-Flucanazole) 150, one tablet daily for a week. Tablet Norflox TZ (combination of Norfloxacin and Tinidazole), one tablet twice daily for five days. Do gargles with lukewarm water.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At April 12, 2016
Reviewed At June 18, 2026

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Atishay Bukharia is a skilled specialist in Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy, with expertise in treating skin, hair, and nail disorders, sexually transmitted infections, and leprosy-related conditions. He is proficient in advanced dermatological procedures, clinical diagnosis, and patient-focused care. Dr. Bukharia is committed to providing comprehensive, evidence-based treatments to promote healthy skin and improve patients' overall dermatological well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

2,341Checks completed today
4.7/5User rating
~2 minAverage completion time
Evidence-basedGuideline aligned
Symptom Awareness Builder
HIV Symptom Anxiety Awareness Builder

Worried about HIV symptoms after negative tests?

Five quick questions to help you understand your symptoms and when to seek medical advice.

Private and judgment-free. This tool provides educational information only and does not diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical guidance.

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Atishay Bukharia is a skilled specialist in Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy, with expertise in treating skin, hair, and nail disorders, sexually transmitted infections, and leprosy-related conditions. He is proficient in advanced dermatological procedures, clinical diagnosis, and patient-focused care. Dr. Bukharia is committed to providing comprehensive, evidence-based treatments to promote healthy skin and improve patients' overall dermatological well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Listen to related tracks in our music library
Comprehensive Second Opinion

Read answers about:

salt water garglingfluconazoleoral candidiasisenzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (elisa) testnorfloxacintinidazolehiv testing

Ask your health query to a doctor online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.