STD DOUBT

[arnd23]

Dr. Huntsfield, i posted back in april 27, 2014. I had tests done for hiv and syphilis 14 days after exposure.
The hiv are 4th generation tests. I have no sores nor other symptoms such as a chancre for syphylis.

The tests for herpes, hiv and syphylis came back negative. Are these results reliable after 14 days of exposure? Should I retest again in 3 months? This week I had sore throat and cold flu symptoms, should i be concerned? .

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Fianl answer.  You did not need a herpes test to start with and certainly do not need further testing.  You need to move forward from this experience.  EWH

[arnd23]

Dr. Hook, i know this thread ended but just wanted to ask you that my herpes blood tests came back negative after 44 days of my encounter. Should i test again at 12 weeks? My doctor told me that i was healthy. He also gave me anxiety pills because Im afraid of having herpes, i know you may not respond, but would like your opinion

[Edward W Hook, MD]

You are worrying inappropriately and my answers seem to be encouraging your anxiety.  This will be my final answer.  Your cough and sputum production are not signs of any STI, including HIV.

This thread is now closed.  EWH

[arnd23]

Thanks dr. I have been having cough with white or transparent phlegm for 1 week and a half, could this be from stress and anxiety, it is not related to any stds right? I appreciate your help

[Edward W Hook, MD]

With not outbreaks you can now be confident that you did not get herpes.  As for HIV, at six weeks the OraQuick test would detect about 95% of recent infections.  EWH

[arnd23]

Its been 6 and a half weeks after my encounter, and i dont have any sores or blisters, this means i dont have herpes?, also last thursday may 29, 2014 had an oraquick hiv test and came negative, this result is reliable, i also had blood test again.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Yes, it would cure gonorrhea, chalmydia and prevent syphilis.

Your wife's headaches are not related to any STI you acquired from the event you described.  EWH

[arnd23]

So the rocephin shot and azythromycin cures syphylis, gono and chlymdia?

Sorry for the dumb question, its just concern.

My wife began having headaches should we worry about this?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

I see you have asked the same question of Dr. Handsfield.  he may or may not choose to respond.  My answer will be brief. I agree with Dr. Handsfield-you had and essentially no risk exposure and were treated with therapy which would have prevented syphilis if you had been exposed.  Apparently you have not experienced symptoms suggestive of herpes, therefore there is no reason to worry about herpes either. In my opinion, testing was a waste of time and money although if it helped your anxiety, perhaps it was worthwhile.

If you are interested in when you should have tested, had you had been exposed, then the answer is you tested too early. Your negative HIV test in strong evidence that you did not get HIV but 4th generation tests do not provide definitive answers until 4 weeks following exposure, not at two week.,  We do not recommend testing for HSV as the tests are not reliable in your situation.

My advice is to relax, more on and not waste your time with further testing.  EWH