[Question #13864] Follow up to last question – symptoms

5 days ago

Hey doctors,

I'm so sorry to follow up so soon after my last question by I'm experiencing some symptoms which are scaring the life out of me:

Day 10: started noticing a slight rash on my hands and also petachiae on my hands, wrists, arms and shoulders.

Day 11: started coming down with an awful cold and nasal congestion.

Day 21: slight sore throat and night sweats. the sore throat lasted for a day or two and I don't think I've had night sweats since that night.

Day 25: more rash appearing over my torso this morning. It was itching this morning but now it's not and it's just red.

Should I be worried about these symptoms with regards to the incident at the clinic?

Out of fear, I have been taking multiple doses of PrEP each day – will this affect my protection?

On day 8 following the incident at the clinic, I couldn't remember if I took my PrEP at my usual 9am, so I took a dose at 3pm to be safe – will this delay affect my protection with regards to the scenario at the clinic?

I just want to put this to bed and continue sex with my partner.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

5 days ago

Welcome back to the Forum. I'll be glad to comment. Common, chance occurrences can set of worries if we are already a bit anxious. I am confident that this is the case for you. You are taking your PrEP regularly and as I've already said, the events that occurred during your last visit to the clinic were no risk. The symptoms you are describing, while among the symptoms associated with the ARS, are also the symptoms of numerous other, far more common, non-STI illnesses such as COVID, influenza and every-day viral infections of the sort most of us get from time to time. You can prove to yourself that your current symptoms are not the ARS or a sign of failure of your PrEP by taking a 4th generation test for HIV at this time- if your symptoms were due to HIV, your test would be positive. I am confident that if you choose to test, it will be negative.

I hope that this information is helpful. EWH

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5 days ago

Thank you for getting back to me Doctor. Any chance you're able to answer the below questions for me that I outlined in my first message:

Out of fear, I have been taking multiple doses of PrEP each day – will this affect my protection?

So all these symptoms are by chance and there's no way I'd get HIV from the scenario?

I have a tendency to fixate on changes in my body during times of heightened anxiety.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

5 days ago

Taking extra PrEP with neither increase or reduce it's efficacy. It remains highly effective for HIV prevention.

Please don't worry. One reply remaining. EWH

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5 days ago

Ok thanks, Doctor – and the delay on day 8, would that affect efficacy?

Is it safe to say this was completely no risk and I should just put this behind me and forget about it?

Edward W. Hook M.D.

5 days ago

Again, no impact of delayed dosing

I urge you not to worry.

This thread is now complete and will be closed. EWH

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