Experiencing ARS

[sunny83]

Hello Doctor,

I had brief unprotected sex with CSW for about 10 seconds though i am not sure whether penetration happened or not. I also gave oral to her.

2 days after this incident, I started feeling tierd, lost appetite , developed loose stools and slightly sore throat . Doctor gave me antibiotic on 4th day and 2 days after that I started having mild diarrhea and severe gastric problems.3 days after taking medicines, my stomach came to normal but I am experiencing some kind of swollen node on right side of my neck. Also, I have developed slight cough but no sore throat. Today is my 12th day after exposure and feeling like normal.

My questions are -
1. Is it possible for ARS symptoms to start that early like 2-3 days after exposure and then keep coming and going? As I have read that all symptoms come together.
2. Is absence of fever an indication that it is probably not ARS?
3. I had 3 CBC in last 12 days after expsoure and my WBC count was 9.2 on 4th day,went upto 10.4 on 8th day and came down to 10 today. I am really scared because of this high WBC count.
4. Out of anxiety due to all these symptoms, I went for Qualitative PCR RNA test at around 5 days after exposure and it was negative. I have read in many places,that this test is highly accurate even 48-72 hrs post exposure. Even my doctor said the same. How reliable is the test and what is the correct time to take this test?
5. Is anxiety ,lack of sleep and problem in concentrating symptoms of ARS? I think I am going crazy about this. I feel like crying every 5 mins.

Please help me doctor. I feel like I am going to die soon

[Dr Mervyn Tyrer, MB BCh; Dip HIV Medicine, Freedomhealth London]

Sunny, this is over now...you've had two excellent tests already ...you don't need another one . Stop testing now and get back to normal life. No more answers on this from us ok Merv.

[sunny83]

Hi Doctor,

Thank you for your wonderful response which eased a lot of stress of me . I am happy to inform you that my 12 day Qualitative PCR RNA Test also came negative! The doctor at lab advised me not to go for any further testing and take this result as conclusive.

I am feeling relieved but still would like to know whether you would suggest me any further testing. I have read at many places that HIV Duo test at 28 days is considered conclusive while some people still believe that 3 month antibody test is concusive.

Which test should I take which i can consider conclusive? I am a bit tensed about this situation because I am going to get married very soon. Hence, before marriage I want to close this chapter and move ahead in life.

Thanks a ton again for your help !

[Dr Mervyn Tyrer, MB BCh; Dip HIV Medicine, Freedomhealth London]

Sir, you need to make your own post, not jump on someone elses, we'll be happy to answer the question, thank you, Merv

[newusers123]

Hi Dr. Mervyn

i am just kind of confuseing.... this post was posted in the prevention forum but Dr. Edward answer to the PCR was "waste of money" and made it sounds like an inaccurate test. However, you and Dr. Sean in my post (6 months ago) stated that a neg result from antibody and dna pcr at 33 days would consider certain, even in my cousins post (5 months) ago stated the same thing. Here , you answer in number 4 is totally contradicting with the answer that Dr. Edward given in the prevention forum. your and Dr. Sean answer here was strong and optimistic. on the other hand, Dr. Edward answers are more tend to be cloudy and pessimistic. ofcouse, people like me would like to hear that kind of answer from you and Dr. Sean but what really is the true ???

[Dr Mervyn Tyrer, MB BCh; Dip HIV Medicine, Freedomhealth London]

You're not going to die soon, you're only 27.

1. Is it possible for ARS symptoms to start that early like 2-3 days after exposure and then keep coming and going?

NO

As I have read that all symptoms come together.

generally

2. Is absence of fever an indication that it is probably not ARS?

you didn't have ars - not possible at 2 days - you had anxiety and antibiotic induced tummy upset

3. I had 3 CBC in last 12 days after expsoure and my WBC count was 9.2 on 4th day,went upto 10.4 on 8th day and came down to 10 today. I am really scared because of this high WBC count.

you were unwell because of a sore throat etc ...I'm not worried

4. Out of anxiety due to all these symptoms, I went for Qualitative PCR RNA test at around 5 days after exposure and it was negative. I have read in many places,that this test is highly accurate even 48-72 hrs post exposure. Even my doctor said the same. How reliable is the test and what is the correct time to take this test?

You tested at 5 days and you got a negative result - you can rely on that result as being certain

5. Is anxiety ,lack of sleep and problem in concentrating symptoms of ARS? I think I am going crazy about this. I feel like crying every 5 mins.

no they are not symptoms of ars...they are symptoms of anxiety. Now you've had a negative PCr, you can't remember whether you had sex with her or not and even if you did it was for seconds...you're not HIV positive....you are just anxious and guilty. Merv