[Question #778] Follow up on my recent hiv/std question
88 months ago
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
88 months ago
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Welcome to the Forum. As you may know, Dr. Handsfield and I answer questions interchangeably and today I happened to pick up your follow-up question. This may be a good thing as now you will get a 2nd opinion from us. And that opinion is to reinforce what Dr. Handsfield has said- there is NOTHING in your description of rash that in any way suggests the ARS. The response you describe ins not atypical for the response of herpes zoster to valacyclovir or the natural history of the sorts of ill-defined, non-ARS "traveler's rash" that persons traveling the world get from time to time.
If you had the ARS, you would be quite sick with high fevers, body aches, and severe sore throat, non of which you have described.
From your post, I would guess that you are spending too much time (actually, any time is too much) trying to sort things out through internet searches. This is a bad idea. We spend much of our time trying to correct mis-understandings that come from the internet where descriptions are not uncommonly incorrect or presented out of context. I am completely confident that your two week duo test will be negative.
I urge you to accept the counsel that Dr. Handsfield give to you in his initial response and that I endorse 100%. Work to move on. Don't let your guilt and anxiety related to this (no risk) exposure get to you. EWH
88 months ago
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
88 months ago
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1. The test you describe is a 4th generation, combination HIV antigen/antibody test. It sounds as though the technician was simply reading the package instructions as to the time frame for results.
2. Yes
3. When persons are symptomatic with the ARS, the 4th generation combo tests are positive. The symptoms are a manifestation of the high concentrations of virus present.
4. I do agree with your doctor. If you had a bacterial infection you world likely still be getting sicker. Your illness sounds like the sort of viral illness that many travelers get and for which there are not good tests. I see no benefit to you from additional testing.
Hoping you will be able to relax soon. EWH