What causes symptoms after HIV exposure despite taking PrEP?

Question

Hello doctor,

I was exposed to HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) positive person as I was the anal receptive partner. In the first week of this month, and somewhere in the middle after this, I was exposed twice. I started feeling tired, had body aches and headaches after two days of exposure, then chills the next day, and felt febrile. I was taking daily PreP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) on all days. I have had several unprotected anal receptive sex in the past two weeks, all with escorts.

But this person was the only confirmed positive case. I had his results sent to me two days ago; the tests were performed last month, and he was positive for HIV and syphilis. He was newly infected and was not on any medications, and he may have a higher viral load. The sex was brutal with deep ejaculation. Please give your advice on this.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thanks for writing in, and I understand your concern.

Suppose you have been initiated on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) at least seven days before the risk exposure. In that case, the protection rates for receptive anal intercourse are high. These only protect against HIV, not against other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

So, there are possibilities of transmission of syphilis. It would always be better to avoid the risk exposure. At least you can use condoms to prevent other STDs. Anyway, they will follow the HIV and STDs testing protocol in your setting. Usually, you will be screened for HIV and STDs every three months.

I hope this helped.

Regards.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, even herpes can manifest with fever and body aches. Any infection, viral infection, or HIV can manifest with such symptoms. These are non-specific symptoms.

Regards.

Answer 3

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

In my opinion, these too can be non-specific or due to any infection.

Thank you.