[Question #10317] Clarification / Anxiety
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24 months ago
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Good Afternoon Doctors. I know this is my third question, and I am aware of the policy on repeat questions. So I apologize. I Pray to be clear of this nightmare soon.
Since my last exposure, 34 days ago. I did test negative on a 28 day lab 10 panel test (Clinical Pathology Labs).
Worries: I've had (still have) a dry / sometimes wet cough since day 14 post exposure. Kinda causing a sore throat. Cough started after i went for a long run, and bought a new vape juice (i know i need to quit) Has me worried.
I had asked about the effects of Testosterone therapy replacement on an hiv test. Quick search online talks about high testosterone can render immune response. Dr Hunter responded, but wrote "thyroid replacement therapy", not sure if he meant Testosterone (TRT)?
Hiv test from cpl labs said corticosteroids could affect tests. Does that include injected testosterone cypionate and the estrogen blocker I take?
I plan to test again, day 42. Should I wait for day 45?
With wife and kids at home, having a hard time getting through the days.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
24 months ago
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I’m sorry you were having so much trouble moving forward. You really need to except the fact that you did not acquire HIV following your low risk encounter and move forward. I will provide brief answers to your follow-up questions.
1. At 28 days well over 99% of person who required HIV will have positive tests. Neither of us on this forum I’ve ever seen or heard of a person who had a negative test at day 28 went on to become positive.
2. Cough is not a sign of recently acquired HIV. Look for other reasons for your cough.
3. Testosterone therapy, particularly when it is administered as a replacement therapy, would have no impact whatsoever on the validity of your HIV test results.
4. While testosterone is a steroid, it is not immunosuppressive. Nor is the estrogen blocker. The corticosteroid medication which suppress the immune response are drugs, such as prednisone.
5. No matter whether you test date 42 or de 45 your test results will be conclusive and I am confident it will show once again that you were not infected by the low risk encounter that is set off your current bout of concern and anxiety.
Please don’t worry. There really is no reason to. EWH.
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24 months ago
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Thank you Dr. This has quelled my anxiety a bit. Do you still stand by the premise that had my cough been part of ARS starting at 14 days.. then my 28 day test would have been positive? HIV 1 & 2? Also, i will leave my third question open until I test so that I can report back. If that's OK.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
24 months ago
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This is a repetitive question. The answer will not change. Cough is not a part of the typical ARS. That said, when persons experience the ARS, their tests are positive and remain positive. You do not have HIV. EWH---
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23 months ago
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Evening Doctors.
You were right, and I was wrong. Suprise Suprise!
My 42 day after exposure 10 panel test through STD check came back negative for everything. Mainly HIV (my biggest worry).
I still have a dry throat. Dry cough / wet cough.
I'll make this quick.
1. I know I am 3 days shy of CDC recommendation of 45 days. Should I plan another test?
2. I took amoxicillin 500mg (twice daily) for 2 days earlier this week. Should have no effect on HIV test?
3. I've read on here that I need an 8 week test to rule out HIV-2? Thoughts?
4. Can I continue sex with My wife and put this behind me forever? Give blood in a few months without concern?
And lastly. If ya'll do not hear this enough.
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23 months ago
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I and I am sure others GREATLY APPRECIATE the work you do. God Bless Ya'll. You have helped me get through the toughest most stressful times of my life. For that, I'm forever grateful!
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
23 months ago
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As you know, we provide up to three responses to each client's questions. Thus this will be my final response. I must warn you that further repetitive, anxiety driven questions may be deleted without a response and without return of your posting fee. Should you still be worried following this response, I would urge you to seek counseling to help you move forward.
Cough and dry throat, as I have said before, is not a sign of HIV or any other STI
1. I know I am 3 days shy of CDC recommendation of 45 days. Should I plan another test?
Testing is always a personal choice however in my opinion, no further testing is needed. Should you test, I am confident the test will be negative.
2. I took amoxicillin 500mg (twice daily) for 2 days earlier this week. Should have no effect on HIV test?
No medications other than specific anti-HIV therapy, including amoxicillin, will change the validity of your test results. believe them
3. I've read on here that I need an 8 week test to rule out HIV-2? Thoughts?
This is overly conservative. Your current results rule out HIV-2
4. Can I continue sex with My wife and put this behind me forever? Give blood in a few months without concern?
I see no reason related to your exposure history to avoid unprotected sex with your wife. Similarly, there is no reason to hesitate about donating blood.
I hope this information has been helpful. This concludes this thread. EWH
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