Acute Retroviral Symptoms

I'm on PEP for a possible HIV exposure that occurred 23days ago. After my last post about three weeks. I decided my risk was very low. However, last week I had multiple oral sores on the inside of my mouth, a sore throat that progressed to a slight dry cough that worsens at night, orthostatic hypotension (dizzy when standing), headaches, constantly feeling dizzy/lightheaded, aching pain in my right groin (possible lymph node). For the most part my temperature was normal throughout last week (98.6). However, today my temperature increased to 99.2 which alarmed me since the CDC states 90-95% of ARS symptoms include elevated temperature (albeit mildly elevated in my case). My question is, do people still get ARS symptoms while on PEP? Are the ARS symptoms less severe or non-existant for people taking PEP, such as I may be experiencing? My gut feeling is that I just have some flu/cold, but it is a bit alarming that it occurred in the 3-4 week post exposure time period.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

It seems unlikely that someone could get symptomatic ARS while on PEP, but I really do not know.  I do not personally prescribe or care for patients on PEP.  My guess is that your 'gut feeling' is right, but this is a question you need to take to the provider who prescribed your PEP.

HHH, MD

[Alex73]

I was told by a specialist that its unlikely one would experience ARS symptoms whilst on PEP.

Remember - PEP has severe and varied side effects which may explain some of your symptoms.