[Question #8873] ARS Symptoms

38 months ago

Can a rash occurring around 10 days after intercourse be the only symptom have HIV ARS? Disappeared within 1-2 weeks.

A rash which came up simultaneously around each arm pit but did not spread anywhere else - could that be only sign of ARS?

No fever or sore throat or anything else etc

Edward W. Hook M.D.

38 months ago

Welcome to our forum. Thanks for your question and your confidence in our service. I’ll be glad to comment. The ARS is a combination of symptoms which typically include high fevers, severe sore throat, widespread muscle and/or joint aches and, on some occasions, a rash or diarrhea. Isolated skin rash of the sort you describe it’s not suggestive of the ARS. In addition, it would be unusual for the ARS rash to last two weeks.

I hope this information is helpful to you. If there are additional questions or any part of my response is unclear, please don’t hesitate do use your up to two follow-ups for clarification. EWH

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38 months ago

So essentially the symptoms would occur concurrently and not one after the other?

As the rash has mostly cleared up, I’ve developed a dry cough with a mild sore throat around 17-18 days after a potential exposure.

I understand nothing but testing will definitely resolve this and symptoms cannot be relied upon, but am looking to see if I should do testing sooner than the 28 day (with 45 day follow up) scenario - especially as it causes anxiety.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

38 months ago

Correct. ARS symptoms typically occur at about the same time, not sequentially.

The symptoms you describe do not suggest the ARS. EWH

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38 months ago

Thanks for the responses.

Finally out of interest, can a HIV Viral Load Test be used to sufficiently detect HIV 19-20 days post exposure? I.e. if negative or positive would it be conclusive?

Or does one have to wait until the 45 days for the 4th Gen Ag/Ab test?

Edward W. Hook M.D.

38 months ago

HIV viral load tests are PCR tests for HIVRNA. Test for HIVRNA are typically positive by day 11 or 12 following acquisition of infection. Although I have never seen a person with a negative HIVRNA PCR test go on to have their subsequent tests become positive, most experts recommend following up with a negative PCR test at six weeks with a standard combination HIV antigen/antibody test.

I hope the information I provided has been helpful. As you know, this thread will be closed shortly following this final response. Take care. EWH

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