Hi again Docs. I am writing again with concerns about HIV. 9 days ago I kissed (just one, lips to lips NOT open mouth) with another man. Problem is that literally 7 days later (before yesterday) I had severe sore throat, joint pain (especially feet, toes and knees) and mild pain on the lymph node in the neck and right armpit. Even if this episode was low risk, 3 weeks ago I went to a “dark room club” where I didn’t do anything but when walking around I think a man had his penis out and I touched it by mistake with my hand (again, all was dark). I got tested today w a 4th gen, do u think if the symtoms are due to ARS the test would already be positive even if it’s only 9 days? Thanks!!

Sorry - I pass one more symptom: a terrible headache on day 7 too.

This is a repetitive question about additional no risk events.  I am not aware of HIV even being transmitted through kissing or through touch another person's genitals, even if genital secretions are present.  As I said four months ago, " You need to look for another cause of your symptoms- they are not due to HIV.  When flu-like symptoms such as your have been studied in at risk persons (and you do not fulfill the definition of "at risk"), over 99% have something other than HIV including COVID, influenza and other common everyday, non STI viral illnesses."---

Many thanks as ever, Dr Hook. I confirm that I genuinely read all my previous questions and your answers before posting again. It’s just that the anxiety is really having a toll on me (have a appt w a psychiatrist in an hour actually!) plus this time I did have more of a sore throat and, for the first time ever, joint pain. I am glad to have read your answer. I will post one last time on Thu to let you know about the test. Thanks, thanks and thanks :)

Hello Dr Hook, I got the results of my 4th gen test. As you said, it was negative. I, however, remain a bit worried since it was done just 8.5 days after the exposure (within window period). 

You need to address your anxiety.  Repeating your questions will not do that and will not change my answers.  As I said above, "... if your symptoms were due to HIV, your 4th generation test will be positive."  ---

Hi Dr Hook. Briefly to say that, in addition to the 4th gen test I had already had; on 21st Jan (15.5 days post exposure) I had a quantitative PCR (HIV-1 viral RNA (cobas 6800 System) with limit of detection of 20 copies/ml — it was negative. I however don’t remember very well when was the last time I took an on-demand PREP tablet. It certainly was more than 21/22 days before this last test. Would you test again in 8/10 days or just accept the result? Also, would a qualitative test be better? (This lab doesn’t use it but can try and find another). Thanks a lot !!

Final response.  Your HIV RNA PCR test provides further evidence that your no risk encounter did not result in HIV infection.  There is no need for additional testing.  EWH---