worker in a bar in Bangkok, Thailand 16 weeks ago. Soon after that I got really scared of contracting HIV. I got three tests done so far. All those are rapid test. The 1st test was at 6 weeks after the incidence. It was an ECLIA test which came back negative. The 2nd was was MEIA test at 9 weeks and came back negative as well. The last I did was an ECLIA test after 14 weeks from the incident and it came back negative as well.
However, after 12 weeks from the incident I started having swollen neck glands, cough, nagal congestion. I went to see the doctor at 14 weeks, he told me that I am suffering from sinus infection. After I finished the 1st medication, I went for a follow up after 1 week. My nagal congestion went away, also the cough. But I still have swollen lymph nodes in the neck and I feel extremely thirsty all the time. The doctor then diagnosed me as having cervical lymphadenitis and gave me further medication. I am still taking those medicines and I have a follow up next week.
Now my questions are as follows:
1. Is a 14 week ECLIA test confirmative or do I need to test again?
2. I have read on the internet that people infected with HIV have symptoms, if any, after 4-6 weeks. Is it possible that my swollen neck lymph nodes after 12 weeks, which is still present for almost 20 days, may be due to HIV?
3. Do I need to test for any other STD? I dont have any such symptoms of STD.
Please be kind enough to reply. I am very scared. Thanking you in advance.
thanks a lot for ur reply. But why do some doctors and forums ask for a 6 month HIV antibody test? another thing is that do i need to test for any STD? I have no specific symptoms other than swollen lymph nodes in my neck which I came to know after visiting an ENT specialist. thank u once again.
the ONLY ppl who need to test out further than 3 months are those with a SEVERELY compromised immune system. this includes ppl on chemotherapy, taking anti-rejection drugs following an organ transplant, and CHRONIC iv drug abusers.
the CURRENT guideline set by the fda, cdc, and manufacturers of the tests, is 3 months post exposure for a conclusive result.
this forum is hiv specific. please address any questions regarding stds in general to the std forum.