Symptoms at 3 weeks: am I in denial

[floydian]

Dear Doc,

I am 27 yr old hetrosexual male. I had an encounter with CSW at a massage parlour 23 days ago, I was drunk at the time. It was protected oral and then viginal with the same condom. I was standing so I noticed the condom slipping and stopped. I pulled out but the condom was still inside her. She took it out, gave me a hand job for a minute or so and then put the same condom back on... this was a mistake, not sure if the condom was folded inside out but unlikely... I got Elisa test on 14th day which came negative but probably doesnt mean anything. On exactly the 21st day I had mild fever and sore throat. The fever (99-101) and sore throat is almost gone now. I know there could be many reasons for fever but I have never had this kind of fever before. Cold fever that I usually get lasts 3-4 days and is associated with high temperatures. Will taking a test today (day 23) be of any use?
I know ARS symptoms are supposed to be 2-4 weeks from exposure and 3 weeks usually and hence I am worried. Infact I am not worried I feel considering that I may not be + is living in denial. Please advice.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Last answer.  The ARS coincides with the development of antibodies. EWH

[floydian]

One last question: Is there any relation between seroconversion and symptoms if they are infact from acute HIV infection? Thank you

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Please re-read the answer.  The condom slipped, thus your can argue as to whether you were totally unprotected or "just a little" unprotected - I will not.  Repeated testing at 3 weeks after a two week test will not provide you with much more information and is a waste or time and money (if not yours, then someone else's).  The appearance of symptoms at day 21 remains irrelevant.  EWH

[ja246]

I dont think that was clear from your inital question as it sounded like you lost the condom instde her constituting unprotected sex. But I am sure the Doc will clarify his interpertation.

[floydian]

It was sort of on and hanging out. The rim of the condom was totally outside and visible...

[ja246]

I noticed your comments on the community board. Can you clarify was the condom still sort of on as you withdrawl and hanging from her Vagina? Or did she have to route for it? i.e so it came off whilst inside her?  I dont know but, its worth seeing if this would make a difference on the Doc's assessment.

[floydian]

Also the day of appearance of symptoms exactly day 21 has worried me a lot, please help

[floydian]

The negative was after 2 weeks, so I should get tested today (day 23)

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Unfortunately, the condom use you describe with this encounter translates to not being protected at the time of your vaginal sex.  That said, your risk is still low.  Here's why:

1.  Odds are she did not have HIV,.  Most CSWs do not.
2.  If she was and you were exposed, your odds of getting HIV are less than one in 1000 (probably lower if you want "credit" for partial protection.
3.  You had a negative test at three weeks. By then well over half of tests that are going to be positive will be.  

Symptoms?  No comment other than to repeat myself once again in saying the the "ARS symptoms" are non-specific and it is far more likely that you have a viral illness of some sort than that you are having the ARS.

So, what to do.  Believe that it is unlikely that you have HIV but get another HIV retest, preferably after 6 weeks when over 95% of tests that are going to be positive will be.

Hope this helps.  EWH

Hope this helps.  EWH