[Question #10571] Multiple HIV symptoms, negative test
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21 months ago
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Hello, i had two risky exposures in Barcelona beg of august. Took PEP after 2nd one, but i am worried about 1st one which wasn’t covered. Swollen lymph nodes after few days, and other symptoms like rash, night sweats and malaise started in the following days. Started noticing red line on the gums, dermatitis and nail changes as well during september. Tested negative by 4th gen after 1 and 2 week of PEP. Sterted noticing fatigue, receeding gums. HIV-1 RNA done 3 weeks after PEP negative. Started noticing trouble concentrating, fatigue, mouth sores. HIV-1 RNA + 4th gen after 5 weeks of PEP negative again. Last two weeks i have extreme pain in muscles, mylagia, tiredness, balanitis. Went and did HIV-1/2 PCR and it came back negative. I am very worried, is it possible that tests missed HIV-2 (which is not so rare in Spain) and wich tests should i do next?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
21 months ago
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Welcome to our forum. Thanks for your questions.
Please understand that all of the symptoms that you described are nonspecific and have many possible causes. These symptoms can be caused by non-STD infections, by chronic inflammatory illnesses, and other processes. The testing you have had absolutely proves that you do not have HIV-1 or HIV-2. You have been tested for both of these infections both by tests for antibodies to the virus and tests for the virus themselves ( the PCR tests). There is no need for additional testing for HIV and should you test, I am confident it will be negative. Instead, I suggest that you see internist who can do a thorough examination and look for other causes of your symptoms. EWH.
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21 months ago
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Thank you for your prompt reply. I am still anxious about HIV as i am feeling really unwell ever since those exposures. I did other tests for STDs and mono and they all came back negative which just increased my fear. I have troubles sleeping in past weeks and lately i have extreme weakness in my legs and arms, i am unsteady when walking and i read it could be realted to HIV neuropathy. It’s really worrying me as lot of those symptoms can be linked to HIV (sore throat, fungal infections, mouth/lips issues…) and i was really healthy 31 old before my trip to Spain. Is it possible that tests somehow missed the HIV? I read about some medical cases of people with symptoms and no antibodies produced at the time of testing. I am planning to take another 4th gen next week as it will be >90 days from exposure and 60days after last PEP dose.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
21 months ago
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Currently available tests for HIV are amongst the most reliable tests in all of medicine. You have multiple negative tests of different types- they should be believed and you should look for other causes of your symptoms.
FYI HIV neuropathy occurs in persons who have been infected and untreated for many yeas, not infections of less than a year.
Your posts suggest to me that you have been looking for answers on the internet. That is unwise. Much of what is found there is incorrect, either because it is out of date, taken out of context, or just plain wrong. Since the internet is not monitored or edited, you have no way of knowing what is correct and what is not. Again, I urge you to see a trained clinician who can run other tests and fully evaluate you. Further testing for HIV is a waste of time and I am confident that if you test again next week the result will be, once again, negative. EWH
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21 months ago
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Thank you for encouraging words. Little update from my side, today i got tested with 4th gen combo test and it came out negative again (90 days post exposure, 60 days post PEP). I am reassured after this, but still lot of HIV related symptoms worry me.
I wanted to highlight that among older symptoms mentioned in my previous messages, 2 weeks ago i got high temparature all of the sudden and strong headache. Days after tingling feeling in muscles, pins and needles and extreme muscle weakness appeared and are still present up to this day.
My questions:
1) If that event 2 weeks ago was delayed seroconversion, would 4th gen test today pick up the infection?
2) Considering high risk exposure and PEP, but also the tests i have done, do i need some more tests in the future?
3) Can i start having unprotected sex with my girlfriend again?
Thanks in advance for you reply.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
21 months ago
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As you know, this will be my final response. I'm sorry that you continue to worry needlessly after having proven that you did not acquire HIV and that your symptoms are not due to HIV. As I said before, and will say again, the is no need for further testing. In response to your final follow-up questions:
1) If that event 2 weeks ago was delayed seroconversion, would 4th gen test today pick up the infection?
Delayed seroconversion is an internet myth with no basis in reality. If you were infected, your tests would have been positive. Similarly, if your symptoms wer3e due to HIV, tests are ALWAYS positive. You do not have HIV!
2) Considering high risk exposure and PEP, but also the tests i have done, do i need some more tests in the future?
There is absolutely no need for further testing.
3) Can i start having unprotected sex with my girlfriend again?
Yes
This thread is now complete. EWH
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