high risk exposure/seroconversion question

I've had a high risk exposure to hiv.  I had unprotected sex with a man who is positive somewhere around 15 times (I did not know he was positive until recently).  It has been 11 weeks since my last exposure.  I was tested at 3 weeks post exposure which was negative and plan to go in next week for a second test.  At this time I am experiencing fever, swollen lymph nodes in my groin area (I also had huge, diagnosed swollen lymph nodes in my neck three days after our last encounter...my doctor thought I had mono, which was negative) and very painful muscles in my forearms.

I am obviously really worried.  I guess my question is in regards to seroconversion.  When a person seroconverts - do they typically become sick?  Or, does a person usually become sick right after they are initially exposed to the virus?  Seroconversion is when we actually develop antibodies, right?

[gates85]

You mention that your last exposure was 11 weeks ago and that you are just now experiencing your symptoms. Despite the high risk nature of your exposure, 11 weeks would be too late for ARS symptoms to manifest themselves, as they typically begin 1-2 weeks after someone has been infected. So if your symptoms came on that late, then that is a good argument against HIV infection. To your question about seroconversion, yes, while there are some people who don't experience symptoms, most people who have been infected will develop a flu-like illness and will always test positive within two weeks of the onset of symptoms. Your 3 week negative test is reassuring, but not perfectly so, and if your next test is negative then you can be sure it is conclusive.

Good luck.

[sparkeler]

11 weeks is too late for sero conversion symptoms to take place.  Most people do experience flu like sympomts & fever is almost always present.  But the average time from one to seroconvert is 2 - 4 weeks after exposure.  Like the above poster suggested, your 3 week test is reassuring but also a little to early.  A test usually won't become positive until at least 26 days.  You should have another test done b/c you did engage in high risk behavior.  Good luck to you.  My thoughts are with you.

[worriedmang]

Never diagnose hiv by symptoms, I also had swollen nodes in my groin, and tested negative at 3 months. Wait another week until the 12 week mark and you will get an accurate result. Good luck.

[nowforpeace]

I too had swollen lymph nodes in my groin at from 6-11 weeks post exposure and my 11 week test was negative.  In all honesty, I don't think it takes much probing around in the groin area (looking for lymph nodes) to make them swell.

[J_friend]

I totally agree with you - when you're pressing on your nodes constantly, they will definitely become sensitive, painful, and even swollen.

[worriedman34]

Does anybody know his status? Is he negative?