Exposure down under

[Steven888]

Hey everyone im 20 young and healthy, Ive actually had a condom failure during anal intercourse with a female that later told me she was positive. As anybody would I freaked out and had so many symptoms for the last 7 weeks. night sweats, diohhera, coated tounge, bad breath, gas, Dry flakey scalp (which i never had b4), weight loss of bout 2kg. I am sure that these are all due to aniexty and stress because here in Sydney, I attend the Sydney sexual health clinic and tested at 43 days after exposure with what they call the 4th gen elisa test. They run off the 6 weeks window period so after my test came back negative just like it did at the 4 week mark. The nurse told me that they will refuse to retest because I dont need it and that I am just going to have to accept the fact that i havent been infected. He also stated that the manufactures indicate that the test is just bout 100% accurate by 4 weeks and that they state 6 weeks to be on the conservative side.  I called the Hiv hotline and asked the reliability of any test in Aus after six weeks and they said that its 99.9% and I should move on because thats not going to change. I will admit I am going through some really severe aniexty.  I am relieved by the results and trying to let go of it but for some stupid reason I think that theres this hammer behind me that If I do move on and be happy again it will get thrown. I am already seeking counciling from an aniexty clinic due to this and my depression. My real worry is because ..........

no1) Due to symptoms ( which I know are in no means in diagonosing HIV)
no2) The darn controversy bout 6 weeks V 3 month window period. ( GPs are telling me you must wait 3 months)
no3) Given different info about my risk eg some say (1/100, others 1/1000)

I didnt know about PEP, and she was def positive, she was crying etc when she told me so.


What does anyone think about my situation? Some experts would be awsome.

  

[Steven888]

Well i have no idea what your profession is but I knew what his was and he clearly backed up his statement as the 3 month window used for older test and the guidelines have yet to be changed but with the improved tests its impossible to have an p24/antibody test at 6 weeks and turn out pos later. Thus they themselves and Parramatta sexual health woulnt offer the 6 week window period without knowing there is such a chance. Even the Doc on this foroum from which i read that its impossible to be pos after and antigen/antibody test at 4-6 weeks. Just because the guidelines havent changed it dosnt mean there isnt improvment in technology.

[Teak]

OZ has the same guidelines as the UK and US. 3 months is when you can obtain a conclusive negative test result. END OF DISCUSSION.

[Steven888]

Why is that though? Dont you believe in their tests? Are you saying that even the HIV hotline dude is wrong? Also what are the chances of it turning pos at 3 months?

[Teak]

Yes, they advised you wrong.

[Steven888]

I rather thought that Sydney Sexual Health would have a better understanding then the GP when it comes to this. Are you saying they are wrong? I mean surley they wouldnt just let me go and even more tell me not to retest, without having 100% confidence im clear.

[Teak]

Your GP is correct 3 months post exposure. As for nPEP you're outside the window of using it.