Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I need to know if I should be concerned about HIV or other STIs. I had protected sex with a sex worker the day before yesterday. Do I need to get tested, and if so, when should I do it?
Please help.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concerns.
It is important to remember that you do not need to worry about practicing protected or safe sex. Also, there is no need for any tests in this situation, as it has only been two days since the exposure.
If any symptoms do appear, please keep in mind that they may not be related to exposure. As winter ends and summer approaches, upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) such as sore throat, cold, cough, and fever are common. These symptoms are typically related to environmental factors, not exposure. However, I cannot deny that these can also be possible symptoms of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).
Short-lasting symptoms often accompany short treatments, so there is no need to worry. If symptoms persist, then it is advisable to get tested. You can opt for an RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) test for HIV between nine and 15 days after exposure, or a fourth-generation combo test for HIV-1 and HIV-2 on the 28th day. These tests have multiple window periods, and all tests have a conclusive accuracy of 99.9 %.
If you have no symptoms, there is no need for any test, as you are protected. Everything I mentioned is to ensure you feel secure. You are safe. Relax and try to move on as soon as possible. If you experience excessive anxiety, try to divert yourself with activities you enjoy.
I hope this information helps with your situation. Please share your valuable feedback to improve patient care, and let me know if you have any further questions.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
It is just for the first time also, as I am not a frequent participant in such activities, and I do not even have intercourse with my wife, maybe once a year. But since this is the first time, I am a bit scared and mentally exhausted, leaving me low on energy. I hope this is because of the mental pressure, as otherwise I do not have any symptoms.
Please help.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Why is there no intercourse with your wife? Anyway, for this instance, you are totally safe as you had protected sex.
I hope this helps you.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
I am trying to reassure myself based on what you have written, but my anxiety is very high. I just wanted to confirm: is the RT-PCR test conclusive at 15 days, and is the P24 combo test conclusive from the 28th day onward? Additionally, I need to know on which day the herpes test is conclusive.
Please help.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
What you said is correct. You can do a herpes test after consulting a dermatologist.
I hope this helps you.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor.
Thank you for your reply.
I just want to reconfirm that, considering the incident, I am safe from HIV, and whether it applies to herpes also. Do I need any other tests for herpes?
Please guide.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
You are safe from HIV. You can do the herpes test between three and four months.
I hope this helps you.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for your reply.
I am sure that HIV infection is not there, but do I need to worry about herpes, as this STI is also non-curable? You know the whole incident was protected, but still, I worry about the disease.
Please guide.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
You are safe from HIV and STDs. No need to worry.
I hope this helps you.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any queries.
Thank you.
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Answered byDr. Shah Sushma Kant
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
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