Testing at 6 weeks

[Localboy]

6 weeks ago I have brief unprotected sex with an African CSW (1-2 minutes after Condom break)... after 5-5.5 weeks I developed a sore throat, swollen nodes and then yesterday (6 week mark, 1/2 a week after sore throat) I developed a fever (7-8hours) and some loose stools,  I have also had a cold (runny nose and cough). Is it possible these are ARS Symptoms? all is back to normal today apart from my cold.

I have come to the conclusion that my risk is probably very small (HIV prevelance here is around 1%, but up to 10% in CSW) but not totally safe.

Is 5-6 weeks too late for ARS, if it was to occur?

I will test tomorrow morning, not sure if it will be a rapid test or a longer one.

Thanks in advance.

[javaughna]

the only reason the 3 mnth mark is a guidline is for people who have suppresed immune systems many docs even the docs on here say that 6 weeks is 90% accurate but id blame u i wuld check again at three mnths but u shuld c another negative

[Localboy]

Thanks for the kind words and support. I will try and put most of this anxiety behind me now and get tested again in another 6 weeks!

[Apollo1971]

To add, shame theirs no edit button. Your symptoms you had are more so unlikley to be ARS with a negative test, again i hope that installs the confidence your looking for. But i have to say, 3 months is still current guide lines for conclsuive test results.

[Apollo1971]

Good Morning, and very good start to it. Thats really good news buddy, im sure your made up. Bank that test and be assured, when you test at 3 months ( current guide lines ) then its conclusive.

[Localboy]

Returned from the testing center. Non-reactive at 6-weeks and 2 days (44 days after potential exposure), using the rapid antibody test by Trinity Biotech - Capillus.

[Apollo1971]

Well negative for STD is again more good news which i hope will give you a good nights sleep. Elisa at 6 weeks is 99%, 13 weeks is 99.89%. So a negative tomorrow isnt going to change. Try not to worry, i know thats easyer said than done.

Good Luck Buddy

[Localboy]

As for STD's I was tested for chlamidya and  gonorrhea 2 weeks ago, both negative.

[Localboy]

Yeah sure. I am living in NE Africa and I think it will be a case of whatever test they have! I have gone through phases of thinking I certainly have HIV and then that I certainly don't. Seems that this is a common them, and now I am at 6 weeks I need to test to give me some indication. I believe they have Elisa tests here which are apparently 90-95% accurate after 6 weeks.

Thanks for your words :) one more sleep to get through!

[Apollo1971]

Forgot to say, if you havnt already, please have a full STD screan. They are far more widespread and far easyer to catch..

[Apollo1971]

The fact they didnt come together would indicate more in the direction of a "typical " virus rarther than HIV. The cheek bone node i can relate to, as mine swells every time i get the flu or a bug.. Indeed poking it dose make it worse lol.

So yes its all encouraging, but your test tomorrow will be conclusive. If your having an issue with the wait, point towards them doing a test where you get instant results, or at least results within the same day.

[Localboy]

Just to add the nodes are just in my neck and have now gone down, they were somewhat painful too, which is not typical of ARS correct? I also have a raised node in my right cheek (just under bone), I have been touching this a lot since i have noticed it so maybe that has made it worse! My symptoms didnt all come at once either.... staggered between 35 and 42 days,... is this encouraging?

I will test at 8am tomorrow morning and will of course post the results.

[Apollo1971]

Hi Local. The average for ARS to happen is around 25days. That said, Ars happens between 2 - 6 weeks. Its very rare indeed to go beyond this (unless due to health issues, treatment or a long time IV drug user )
From wat you describe, its unlikely to be ars due to the short spell of illness.
The test will be conclusive, so good luck with the results

[Localboy]

Also forgot to mention, stiff/aching neck for last 1 week.