Symptoms

Dr-

About 6 weeks ago I had protective sex with a commercial sex worker in Moscow.  Since then I feel like I have had every HIV symptom possible.  I won't go into details, because my main questions are as follows:

1) I had a DNA PCR test and ELISA at 5 weeks.  Both came back negative. Should I be rather confident that I did not catch HIV?

2) What and when should I take any other tests?

3) Is it really possible that anxiety can cause physical symptoms, such as rash, diarrhea, weight loss, etc.?

4) Would you get all symptoms at once? It seems to me like my symptoms have occurred one at a time but all right after one another, if that makes sense.

Thanks in advance.

[Dr Sean Cummings]

Hello

You asked:-

1) I had a DNA PCR test and ELISA at 5 weeks.  Both came back negative. Should I be rather confident that I did not catch HIV?

Yes, I'd be very confident indeed that you have not acquired HIV infection because a) protected sex b) two HIV tests using modalities that will rule out HIV

2) What and when should I take any other tests?

You shouldn't. You're HIV negative.

3) Is it really possible that anxiety can cause physical symptoms, such as rash, diarrhea, weight loss, etc.?

No - we just make that bit up for fun- OF COURSE IT IS!!!!! Anxiety will cause all sorts of symptoms and signs.

4) Would you get all symptoms at once? It seems to me like my symptoms have occurred one at a time but all right after one another, if that makes sense.

It makes sense but no, all symptoms together is a figmet of your imagination. You wore a condom and you have had two negative HIV tests, therefore, despite your fears, you are HIV NEGATIVE.

Best regards, Sean