[Question #2627] Unprotected vaginal sex

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95 months ago
Hi Dr Handsfield

I had unprotected vaginal sex with a girl (white 35yrs old) from Sacramento about a month ago. Don't know her but she was very clean cut.  Sex lasted about 5-10 minutes.  A few days later I got a cough that is wet that ultimately developed into a very mild sore throat that lasted a day then turned into just a slight scratch in my throat. No fever or rash but a lot of mucus. Maybe sinus infection as I have had many of those due to bad allergies. Anyway I had a RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) HIV test rapid test at 17 days past exposure. Result was negative. Same for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia... Both negative. I know the rapid hiv tests aren't 100% but I was wondering if In your opinion I truly need to get any further testing done. I know the odds of female to male transmission 1/1000 she has hiv x 1/2000 chance of contraction.  Please any info you have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance
N
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
95 months ago
Welcome to the Forum.  I'll be glad to comment.  Cough is not a sign of any STI, including HIV.  Your testing proves that you did not get HIV, Gonorrhea or Chlamydia.  Sometimes test names are confusing.  The RNA test is not a rapid test but is  a PCR-like test which would be definitive at day 17 after exposure.  Similarly, I would consider your tests for gonorrhea and Chlamydia definitive as well.  At this point, in the absence of symptoms I would not worry further and see no medical need for further testing.  EWH---
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95 months ago
Thanks Dr.  

I really appreciate your reply. It took away some anxiety for sure.  No not really any symptoms other than the cough I mentioned. I did get a mild sore throat and my voice is slightly hoarse though I suspect it was due to a lot of coughing and a ton of mucus draining daily swing as how the cough came first.  It's been a struggle particularly in the morning with the mucus.   But I know sore throat(usually severe) can be a symptom  and so it made me a little nervous. But honestly it's more like a hair in my throat vs actually being sore. Thoughts?  
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
95 months ago
Your additional information does not change my assessment.  There is no reason to worry about HIV.  Your HIV test result is definitive, as I said.  Your cough ( which is not a sign of HIV) is not a sign of HIV.  When symptoms and reliable test results differ, the test results should always be believed.  EWH---
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95 months ago
Thank you Dr.  you have been an big help and I appreciate it very much!