Since I’m not sure which doctor will respond, I want to clarify by mentioning that this question is in reference to/continuation of [Question #12784] ‘Is HIV Exposure possible from blood draw?’. My previous question was about my concern about possibly contracting HIV IF the cotton ball used on me during my blood test was contaminated with fresh HIV positive blood.  

I had my blood test at the lab two weeks ago, and so now two weeks after the blood draw, I am now having a slight sore throat on the right side of my throat, it’s not very painful as of now. I don’t have any fever, muscle aches or joint pain though.

I also have been having near constant itchy eyes for the past 5-6 days. 

Just to clarify, the mild sore throat and itchy eyes are the only symptoms I have now. I don’t have any other symptoms at all.

So my questions are: 

1) Are the two symptoms (mild sore throat on right side of throat and itchy eyes) I described that I’m only having, would be considered ARS symptoms? Why or why not?

2) Is having a sore throat only, with no fever, muscle aches or joint pain, considered an ARS symptom? 

Thank you 

As I said in my final reply 3 days ago (with several minor typos corrected) "The typical symptoms of the ARS due to recently acquired HIV are a severe flu like illness occurring somewhere between seven and 20 days following an exposure. The typical symptoms include a high temperature, severe sore throat, widespread muscle, and or joint aches. In a minority of persons, there may be a rash or diarrhea"  The symptoms are typically severe and all of the symptoms occur together, starting at about the same time.  The combination of itchy eyes and a mild sore throat are more typical of seasonal allergies than anything else and do not suggest the ARS.  Thus:

No, by definition, isolated symptoms do not suggest the ARS. The ARS is multiple symptoms whose onset occurs at abot the same time.

If you need to prove that this is not the ARS, you can seek a 4th generation test for HIV at this time.  Persons with the AR always have positive tests as the symptoms are due to the interaction of antibodies to HIV and the virus.  Both must be present to cause the ARS and for that reason tests are always positive.

Trust me, you will not be the first person found to acquire HIV from a blood draw.  EWH

Thanks so much for clarifying my doubts, I genuinely appreciate it a lot 

I have decided I don’t want to test for HIV and to do my best to move on with my life 

1) I’m asking this just for my reference and to further my awareness; is having a productive cough with phlegm  considered an ARS symptom? 

2) Other than proving to myself that I am not having ARS symptoms, there is actually truly no need for me to test for HIV right? 

1.  A productive cough is not part of the ARS.

2.  There is certainly ne scientific or medical reason for you to test related to the event or symptoms you described.

Thanks for your thanks.  I'm glad that the information I've provided has been helpful.  I trust you will now be able to move forward.  EWH

I think you meant to say ‘ There is certainly no scientific or medical reason for you to test related to the event or symptoms you described.’ ? 

Closing the thread now.  EWH