HIV SCARE

Dr. HHH

Had 3 sexual encounters with sex workers 7 weeks ago. Oral was unprotected, vaginal protected. 3 days later I was experiencing burning sensation in groin area. I went to clinic for STD test. Results came back positive for HSV2. I called Dr. and got perscription for Valtrex, which I have been taking daily. About 1 week after exposure, I started experiencing chills, and difficulty in swallowing. I also noticed that my feet and hands feel like a mild burning sensation. I fear that not only did I contract HSV2, but HIV as well.  I understand that you are 5 times more likely to contract HIV with if you have HSV2.
I had the Oraquick test taken @ 4,5,6 & 7 weeks, all negative.
I read from the previous threads from others that 6 week is close to conclusive, but what about the fact that I still have symptoms at 7.5 weeks? Can I take some comfort in the antibody test results?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to our Forum.  Your risk for HIV is miniscule an, to be honest, I see little evidence that you acquire HSV either.  Let's deal with the herpes first, then the HIV issues.

the symptoms you describe do not sound like herpes.  Did you have ulcers or small blisters?  Burning in and of itself is by no means indicative of herpes and could of been due to any number of other causes.  Furthermore, if your symptoms have now continued for over 7 weeks, this too is not suggestive of herpes,.  did you have a culture or other swab test for herpes- this is the only truly reliable way to diagnose herpes.

As for HIV, while you are correct that persons with HSV are about 3-5 times more likely to get HIV than persons who do not have HSV, your exposures were no risk for HIV.  HIV is not spread by condom protected sex, nor by oral sex.  Thus the nature  of the exposures you describe did not put you are risk for HIV.  At 7 weeks over 95% of HIV infections would be detectable with a standard blood test. That your test is negative is further strong evidence that you did not get HSV from your exposure of concern.  

thus, your symptoms which have now continued for 7 weeks are not suggestive of HSV or HIV but something else.  I suggest you check with your regular doctor.  I doubt that they are STD related,.  EWH

[TrentA]

Thank you for your response Dr. Hook!
My blood test revealed the HSV2, no culture swabs were taken because no lesions or blisters were present (none since infection).
All my subsequent tests were oral saliva tests (Oraquick rapid test), not blood test.
To elaborate on my symptoms..
The chills are constant, cold sweats,  no fever, dry cough with the difficulty in swallowing.
Could this be ARS or should I believe in my 7 week negative.  
I appreciate your time & advice.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Believe your tests. It is too late for your symptoms to be the ARS.  Really, trust your tests.  EWH

[TrentA]

I tested negative again @ 8 weeks (Oraquick Oral).
Anxiety runs very high with almost everyone on this site (me included), you and Dr. HHH are the expertise & comfort many of us need to during this difficult time.
A heartfelt thank you.
I will post again @ 12 weeks.
Cheers!

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Glad we could help. I am confident your 12 week test will be negative too. EWH

[TrentA]

I'm checking in with a negative oraquick @ 12 weeks, as you expected I would, thank you.
Should I get a blood test to get conclusive or is the 12 week oraquick conclusive.
Is it possible to have negative antibodies at 12 weeks only to seroconvert later?
Many thanks!!

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Your 12 week Oraquick test is conclusive and proves that you did not acquire HIV from the exposures you described.  No further testing is needed.  EWH

[TrentA]

Thank you for your valuable advice.
I understand that test results trump symptoms, but I have peripherial neuropathy on my hands and feet, still difficulty on swallowing, at 12 week negative oraquick. Could it be a result of HSV 2 which I did get?
Again, many thanks!

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Nope.  EWH