Symptoms after 3 months?

[NYVinny]

Hello doctors,

I had a risky sexual exposure back in late February. My last test for HIV was at end of may -- about 92 days after exposure.

After my last test, I feel that I've been experiencing what could be swollen lymph nodes. It is sore under my armpits, and near my groin, and a little under my neck.

This further worried me, so I decided to get one last test the other day -- about 3 and a half months later, and I haven't gotten the result back.

1. Should I be worried about this test result?
2. Could these symptoms be related to HIV, given a negative test result after 92 days and no other exposures during that time?

I know that under very circumstances it can take up to 6 months, but I don't think I would fall under that category, as there is nothing out of the ordinary about my health, or at least with my immune system for that matter.

Thank you

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Tight shoes affecting HIV test results???  That's a new one!

No, it would have no effect.  There are no medical conditions that affect HIV test reliability or result in delayed positive results as long as 6 months, with hte possible exception of things like terminal cancer.

I encourage you to ignore any and all extenuating circumstances that may come to mind.  There is nothing that will change the fact that your negative test results are 100% reliable.

[NYVinny]

Hello Dr. Handsfield.

thank you for your reply. I just have one last question, and this will relieve the last of my worries. Are there any circumstances under which it could take 6 months? For example, I wear thick orthopedic insoles that make my shoes tight, and may even slightly cut off my circulation. Would this have any impact on my immune system or ability to develop antibodies?

Thank you and have a nice weekend

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

I saw this before replying above.  You had a standard, highly reliable test by a highly respected national laboratory.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Welcome to the forum. Thanks for your question.

I can affirm the accurate replies you had on the community forum.  When HIV testing is done sufficiently long after the last exposure (4-8 weeks, depending on the specific test[s]), the result overrule all other factors.  Your're wrong about 6 months.  With the standard HIV tests currently in use, taking that long for postive results is an urban myth.

Your symptoms are not suggestive of an HIV infection, and the timing is wrong.  But even if they were highly typical, and no matter the nature of the exposure, your test results prove you didn't catch HIV.  In other words, the direct answers to your two questions are no and no.

So you can relax and move on. All is well.  Best wishes--  HHH, MD

[NYVinny]

By the way the test I took after 3 months was a blood test that got sent to a lab - LabCorp I believe it is. I believe it's an "HIV 1/2 ab screen"

Thanks