Aa
was test too early
I had risky sex 2 months ago that i thought was high risk but 4 weeks ago i had another unsafe sexual encounter which i didnt think was high risk but i guess i havent been thinking right having any kind of unprotected sex, other then with a steady monogamous partner, anyway about 14 days after the last exposure i had sore throat and fever that lasted two days then a week and a half later i had swollen groin lymph nodes and reocurring light fever, i got tested it was exactly 26 days after that last exposure, the test came back neg. i was happy but now im realizing a week later after i had the test im still exhibiting many of the hiv symptoms and am very scared, im still having on and off low grade fevers throughout the day, i have a light persistant on and off coughand whitish tongue, the pain in groin lymph noids went away but i also woke up twice now in a sweat. im scared to death now the test may have been too early, im wondering being my first symptoms were 13 days before the test is that enough time for it to show on test? giving all this is it at all possible my symptoms are not from hiv im so scared almost sure it is, i will never have sex again other then with a steady monogamous partner
thanks
thanks
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
By your username, I'm pretty sure you have seen several threads that covered the same territory. Some people develop postive HIV tests within 10 days of exposure and most are positive by 3-4 weeks; by 6 weeks it's almost 100%; and it's definitely 100% by 3 months. Those are guides as to when to be tested after suspicious exposures. You probably have also seen the discussions about the fact that most people with symptoms like yours don't have HIV; other things are much more common. And finally that the risk of getting HIV from any single episode of genital intercourse in heterosexuals is low.
I am skeptical of pledges by people who say they will never put themselves at risk again. It is very hard for people to consistently resist their sexual proclivities and temptations. The problem with people pledging virginity, for example, is that their ultimate risks of STD and unwanted pregnancy actually are higher in the long run. Why? Because they don't carry condoms, and then put themselves in tempting situations; pledges like the one you just made often don't mean much when the lights are down, you're on your third martini (or beer, or joint) and the person next to you is both cute and willing. So a little self-knowledge and preparation is important. If you're committed to a less risky lifestyle, fine; but also keep the condoms handy.
HHH, MD
I am skeptical of pledges by people who say they will never put themselves at risk again. It is very hard for people to consistently resist their sexual proclivities and temptations. The problem with people pledging virginity, for example, is that their ultimate risks of STD and unwanted pregnancy actually are higher in the long run. Why? Because they don't carry condoms, and then put themselves in tempting situations; pledges like the one you just made often don't mean much when the lights are down, you're on your third martini (or beer, or joint) and the person next to you is both cute and willing. So a little self-knowledge and preparation is important. If you're committed to a less risky lifestyle, fine; but also keep the condoms handy.
HHH, MD
i am never going to have sex without a condom again even with a monogomous partner i promise you and god that.i did read one of your post though that i thought it said it took over 14 days after initial symptoms for hiv to show up on test..though i was at the 26 day mark after exposure the day of the test it was only 13 days after the initial symptoms , u think givin all my symptoms it could still be due to something other than hiv,the two days of nigfht sweats the much quieter but still cough, the constant low grade fever? is it a good sign the lymph nodes went down n it was only in the groin what about the fever?
sorry Dr to be asking so much im just so scared this just doesnt seem like something is right that i have all these symptoms
thanks
sorry Dr to be asking so much im just so scared this just doesnt seem like something is right that i have all these symptoms
thanks
sorry Dr i appreciate your patience just one last question where can i go for the same day 20 min testing it took me awhile to even find a place that would do testing last week
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
The time course of symptoms, waxing and waning of sweats, cough, lymph nodes etc means nothing one way or the other. The test result is the only meaninful indicator.
Lots of public health departments and private provider offer the rapid HIV test, but I have no idea where the test is available in any particular geographic area.
HHH, MD
Lots of public health departments and private provider offer the rapid HIV test, but I have no idea where the test is available in any particular geographic area.
HHH, MD
ive been on here just reading different things on the web and places about testing for hiv...they all say the normal anti body test means nothing really before 3 months, some of the sites also have the other test that are more reliable early on because the antibody test takes awhile to build up , i know ive been told on here by you dr and seen other post that at 6 weeks its virtually 100% and at 3-4 weeks its very high percentage of being accurate , but my question is why do these sites and testing centers say its too early 4 weeks on to be tested? is it to cover themselfs? or is it to make you go for a more expensive test? can i fel a little at ease at 26 days mine was neg though i do exhibit many symtoms that are scary?
i know i probably need a smack to calm me down, and this will be my last question..that last risk was 26 days ago from the test but this new girl i been seeing we had sex a week after that risky exposure this girl who i know is not a risk we been kinda seeing each other for months before sex but she had an std two weeks after we were together and thats what brought my being frightened on because i was having symptoms not realizing it could be hiv symptoms, does that fact of the std make percentages any worse
Dr you have the patience of a saint and i thank you for any response
Dr you have the patience of a saint and i thank you for any response
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
OK, I'm going to hold you to it: no more questions (or at least no more responses from me).
The information on HIV testing interval is just practical advice. If tested before 4 weeks, most people will need a second test, an expense and incovenience for both patient and provider. Most people who want testing aren't as concerned as you are; they would rather wait a month and have only 1 test.
You know the answer to your last question, otherwise you wouldn't have asked. The answer likely will upset you--but you did ask. If someone had sex with someone who 2 weeks later was diagnosed with an STD, it stands to reason the STD might have been present during exposure. If so, and if that person also has HIV, there was increased risk HIV transmission (and of course the STD itself). But remember that if the risk of HIV transmission already is miniscule, even doubling the risk (because of the STD) still leaves it miniscule.
HHH, MD
The information on HIV testing interval is just practical advice. If tested before 4 weeks, most people will need a second test, an expense and incovenience for both patient and provider. Most people who want testing aren't as concerned as you are; they would rather wait a month and have only 1 test.
You know the answer to your last question, otherwise you wouldn't have asked. The answer likely will upset you--but you did ask. If someone had sex with someone who 2 weeks later was diagnosed with an STD, it stands to reason the STD might have been present during exposure. If so, and if that person also has HIV, there was increased risk HIV transmission (and of course the STD itself). But remember that if the risk of HIV transmission already is miniscule, even doubling the risk (because of the STD) still leaves it miniscule.
HHH, MD
Your state health department's clinics should have it...and probably for free or at low cost.
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
