[Question #9831] Follow up on Question #9826

28 months ago

Hello doctor,

I am really scared that's why I am writing to you again.. at the moment I am writing this I am still under 72 hour period..

I spoke to a local clinic in Singapore they also think that I don't need pep but they are willing to give if I am too much concerned..

I am sort of experiencing dry throat.. I am afraid it will proceed to become soar throat one of the acute hiv symptom.. or is it too early to get acute hiv symptom?? I don't know what to do doctor..

But the pep window closes by tomorrow 3pm. What to do sir??

28 months ago

I also have stuffy nose.. am I getting worse??

28 months ago

I am also kind of loosing my appetite..

28 months ago

If the above said things are symptoms is it too late to get on pep

Edward W. Hook M.D.

28 months ago

Welcome back to the Forum although I'm sore you felt the need. On this occasion I'll be answering your question. I have reviewed your recent interaction with Dr. Handsfield and agree with all that he siaad- the exposure you describe did NOT put you at any risk for HIV whatsoever. Further, the symptoms you describe are in no way suggestive of recently acquired HIV. An isolated sore throat is NOT the ARS. When persons have sore throats due to recently acquired HIV the sore throat is severe, not just scratchy and, more importantly, is is always accompanied by high temerature and severe muscle and/or joint aches. This is not the ARS and you do not need PEP.

This reply is brief in the hopes of preventing you from taking unnecessary PEP. Please do not worry. Your encounter was no risk. EWH

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28 months ago

I am worried that this scratchy throat will develop into severe soar throat and further.. does ars normally proceed like this scratchy throat on first few days and severe symptoms after 1 week??

I am afraid I will develop severe symptoms that you mentioned by next week..

If this scratchy throat is precursor to more serious symptom does that mean I might already be infected and pep will not help me??

Edward W. Hook M.D.

28 months ago

When persons experience the ARS symptoms all begin at about the same time. You are overreacting to your no risk encounter. You sore throat is not the ARS. You don’t need PEP. EWH ---

28 months ago

After very long grueling hours of thinking I decided to not take pep but I would want to leave the next question for late point in time if I have any other symptoms hope that's ok

Edward W. Hook M.D.

28 months ago

This is the correct decision. You have one follow-up remaining. EWH---

28 months ago

Hello doctor,

I took a hiv-1 rna qualitative assay on 12th April (yesterday at 5.30 pm blood was drawn from vein). Result is hiv-1 not detected..they don't do for hiv-2 as it is rare

I visited the csw on 2 April around 2 pm this test took place after 10 days and 3 hours after possible exposure..

How accurate and reliable is this test results??

Do I need to rest again in 45 days or 90 days..

And what are the other possible sti that could contacted from this particular exposure (hand job unprotected with lubricant and sucking on breast.. I was worried if some blood from her breasts mad contact on my gum.. I occasionally get gum bleeding while brushing)

Edward W. Hook M.D.

28 months ago

Please remember, both Dr. Handsfield and I have told you that the exposure you described did not put you at risk for HIV. Results of your HIV PCR test taken 10 days after your encounter of concern provide further proof that you were not infected. Most experts, however, still recommend, repeat testing for persons who, unlike you, have been truly exposed to potential infection, to retest using a fourth generation test more than six weeks following their exposure. FYI, we have never seen a person with a negative PCR 10 or 11 days following and exposure go on to have a positive test.

This will be the final response to your questions. I hope that it will allow you to move forward from your unwarranted concerns. Take care. EWH.

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