[Question #8216] Hiv and covid-19

Avatar photo
47 months ago
Hi,

I, female, had an unprotected exposure about a year ago with a guy. I got tested last week for hiv with an antibody-only hiv test. The result was negative, so i was very happy about it. 

Then i got very worried again. Covid-19 incidences are rising again in my country and i haven't been vaccinated yet (still waiting for my invite). I'm wondering if i would have had covid-19 at time of my hiv antibody only testing and not know about it at time of my hiv antibody only test, would a covid-19 infection, at any stage of the covid infection, cause a false negative for hiv with an antibody-only hiv test? 

Thanks for your reply,

Sherry
Avatar photo
Edward W. Hook M.D.
47 months ago
Welcome to the forum. Thank you for your question. We receive many questions about whether COVID-19 infections or the vaccine to prevent COVID-19 interfere in anyway with tests for HIV. The answer is no.  Your HIV antibody tests taken about a year after the encounter you describe are absolutely conclusive and should be believed. There is no reason for testing and no reason for continuing concern.

 I hope this information is helpful. If there are other questions or additional clarification is needed please feel free to use your update to follow ups for clarification. Take care. 
EWH
---