I had unprotected sex with a family female friend in the Dominican Republic and I’ve been having trouble with many skin related symptoms that may indicate possible HIV exposure. I’ve done (4th gen duo test) at 10, 43, 70, 133 days and results are non-reactive, and I did RNA PCR quantitive with Undetected results at 10 weeks. Also, I did the full sti/std panel, but all is negative. Am I truly negative? Too many symptoms that won’t allow me to move on. Any input/suggestions is greatly appreciated.

It is completely certain you do not have HIV and that something other than HIV explains your symptoms. There are two take-home messages from the HIV tests in general:  1) whether or not someone is infected, the main thing people usually think about; but equally important is 2) whether or not symptoms are due to HIV. Your negative test results show both of these desirable outcomes. The symptoms of a new HIV infection are not caused by the virus itself, but by the immune response to it. At the same time, the virus must be present as well if symptoms are due to HIV. As a result, it is impossible to have symptoms of a new HIV infection and test negative. In addition, regardless of sypmtoms, the AgAb blood tests (i.e. 4th generation) ALWAYS turn positive within 6 weeks, no exceptions. Therefore your negative results at 43 days and later all were conclusive, and so was your negatie RNA PCR test.

In other words, our test results prove conclusive you did not catch HIV and that HIV is not a possible cause of your symptoms. As it happens, "many skin related problems" is not a typical occurrence with a new HIV infection. If those problems continue, it would be wise to see a dermatologist for diagnosis and possible treatment. But for sure HIV isn't he cause. You also can be entirely certain you have none of the STIs included in your "full panel" of tests.

I hope this information is helpful. Let me know if anything isn't clear. Happy new year!

HHH, MD

I’ve read that in some rare cases people seroconversion happen very late. In your experience have you seen a person turn positive after 5 months? 

Neither your skin problem or your herpes has any bearing on your HIV status. It is 100% certain you do not have HIV. Even if you had highly typical symptoms of HIV, the test results overrule all else:  you definitely aren't infected and should stop assuming or fearing that any health problem of any kind has anything to do with HIV. Got it?

Yes, you are right, my fears are getting the best of me. I am just in a situation I've never thought would happen. Although, I do believe I have something it's just a matter of time of knowing what might be. 

Last questions...What are your thoughts on spinal tab? can doing such procedure will help explain the exact cause of what I'm experiencing?

Thank you for all that you do in helping individuals like me.

That completes the two follow-up exchanges included with each question and so ends this thread. I'm happy you appreciate the reassurance and hope you can now go the next step and become convinced you have no infection of any kind from the sexual exposure. Best wishes and stay safe.