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4 weeks OraQuick test negative but worried due to symptoms

4 weeks OraQuick test negative but worried due to symptoms

I am extremely extremely worried. On 9th May, I had vaginal sex with a female sex worker. After the intercourse I realized that my condom was not on. I do not know when it came off but seemed like on way out (though i did not see the condom before it was dispossed off, she told me that my semen was inside).  Three weeks after this exposure I started having very bad sinus attack - runny and stuffy nose and chest, cough with mucus, pain in cheeck bones, eyes, forehead etc and sore throat.  Except for one day when I had fever of 99.5F for two hrs, I did not have  any fever, rash or swollen nodes.  I may have little bit of tonsil though.  I started taking antibiotic one week back (during 4th week post exposure).  Though after antibiotic I started feeling better from Sinus (it is not over though) but last two days, I have been feeling extremely tired and have some headache.  I have three questions. I am dying of fear and anxiety and will really appeciate your valuable inputs.

1) Are my symptoms similar to early symptoms of ARS/ HIV?

2) I did an OraQuick (blood from finger) test done on 28th day, which came negative -- how conclusive is that - 70%, 80%,85%,90% or higher?

3) Out of all  the early HIV or ARS symptoms that have ready about -- I have sore throad, may be lightly swollen tonsils, and extremely fatigueness and some headache. Since I do not have fever, rash, swollen nodes, or night sweats, does this mean a sinus or other problem vs early sypmtoms of HIV.

Sorry for repeating myself but I would really appreciate any inputs. Any and all answer (s) would only help me and other in similar situations.
I know this forum says that conclusive results are at 3months and 45 days negative result is 95% conclusive. I would like to know what percentages can be attached to a negative result on 28th day.
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Avatar_m_tn
So you had a sore throat after getting some VAJ!!!!!!  GET over it!  I'm not going to tell you what my personal opinion is about testing.  BUT I'll tell you about what the New York State Department of Health laws are......  They say that the majority of people who are infected will test positive within 1 month.  Now, because it is a chronic disease, people shouldn't assume that they are not infected if they have concerns.  That is why the 3 month period and the 6 month period are there.  Yes a conclusive result will put your mind at ease but a one month test will only keep your zipper zipped UP.  That's the whole point.  In NYC we don't take chances but we do dish out facts.  Of-course there's always a possibility that one may still be infected and that is why it is a good idea to test at 3 months.  Everybody's immune system is different.  Most are similar.  I'm still going through the idea that I may be infected.  My symptoms were identical to those of HIV and my risk exposure was a lot more severe then yours.  I just tested negative at 11-12 weeks.  I'm trusting the experts on this forum and numerous highly trained M.D.s that I have spoken to about my experiences. I was told I was negative at 6 weeks past.  I'm grasping on to my negative results and hoping, praying and wishing that everyone who has supported me throughout the worst time of my life are correct in what they dish out.  I don't think you are infected.
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173692_tn?1334017348
Three month is conclusive.
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Avatar_n_tn
Based on my story -- are my symptoms telling? I have a little bit of sore throat, fatigue and periodic headache now a days. But did not have fever, rash, night sweats or swollen nodes (in neck, under arm or groin).  Can these be symptoms for ARS/HIV?  So far whatever I have read, it seems that Fever (100F+) and profuse night sweats the most common symptoms. I know test is the best answer but since I am dying of anxiety and fear, any further analysis you can do on my situation would be extremeley helpful.
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173692_tn?1334017348
When it comes to HIV symptoms or the lack of is not an indication of HIV infection. HIV has no specific symptoms. As you have already been told the only way to know your status is by testing.
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Avatar_n_tn
For peace of mind, which I have lost for the past 31 days now -- is it advisable to get a test done at six weeks and then one at 84/90 days? I read many times on this forum that a test at six weeks is nearly 95% conslusive. Honestly, given my amxiety and fear level, anything that can help me to increase odds in my favor will be huge.  Any advice?
As I mentioned,  after a condom accident during vaginal sex with a female sex worker, I got a test done on 28th day that came ngative. I do not think I can lead my life in current state until 84/90 days.
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Avatar_n_tn
I am not sure about the 4 weeks. But let's say it's 80% reliable.

The risk of unprotected vaginal intercourse is 1/2000.

The chanced that this sex worker is positive maybe 1/10 (if not much less).

If we put this all together, the odds of getting a positive test - after having a negative one at 4 weeks - are:

1/100,000

Well, this is maybe very simplified. But key message is that the odds are clearly on your side.

So try to relax and retest after 3 months. It should be negative.

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Avatar_n_tn
Thanks a million!!! Very helpful. I am indebted to this forum for such an active, supportive and responsive environment. will keep the community posted how next a few weeks go for me.
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