Symptoms almost never are a valid indicator of new HIV infection, because the symptoms of ARS are exactly the same as those of a hundred other conditions, almost all of which are much more common than ARS -- especially in people at low risk for infection. And yes, you were at low risk, based on the exposure you describe. Further, your symptoms don't sound like primary HIV infection anyway.
Most important, HIV test results always (that's always, as in no exceptions ever) are more accurate indicators than symptoms. The bottom line is that your negative tests prove without doubt that you did not catch HIV during the evetn 6+ weeks ago. On top of all that, you have seen health care providers who gave you alternative explanations for your symptoms and told you not to worry about it. I agree completely with their advice, as you describe it.
If any symptoms continue, follow-up with your doctor(s) to figure out the cause and possible treatment. But you can put HIV out of your mind. You don't have it.
Regards-- HHH, MD
I also should mention that my rash doesn't my trunk/chest/back/neck rash doesn't itch. My hand rash doesn't really itch but feels a little weird sometimes.
Doctor,
Thanks for the answer. This has been an emotionally draining 6 weeks that has caused me to stop thinking logically. I'm going to move on now.
thanks
When I asked the clinician that did my hiv test about the hand rash he suggested that it could be a symptom of syphilis. I tested negative for that 4 days after exposure but have since read that there is also a window period for detection of that disease. I haven't had any obvious sores. Would you recommend getting retested for that? Is there any other std that has a blotchy red palm rash(that becomes more pronounced when blood is pumping into it), hive like body rash and mouth sores(inside)? It seems strange to me that I've gotten all these symptoms, that I never had before, since this encounter. Also, in your time working with STD's have you seen people develop unexplainable symptoms due to excessive stress and anxiety?
There is no realistic risk of syphilis here; syphilis rashes cover the entire body and are not localized to one hand; and it's too soon for a syphilis rash anyway. But it's fine with me if you get tested. A negative syphilis blood test at this time--6 weeks after exposure--will prove you didn't catch syphilis.
You may not keep coming back every time a new anxiety-generated concern jumps into your brain. This thread is over. I will delete any further comments.
To be clear it is both palms and has been present for about 10 days now. I was just wondering if this seemed like a coincidence or if it set off any kind of alarms for you? This is the last time i will write. Thanks for your time and help.
If you really have a rash on your palms, syphilis might be a consideration. If so, you probably caught it sometime before the encounter 6 weeks earlier. But why are you speculating and asking the question here? Wasted energy. Just have a blood test. If it is negative, something else is causing the rash.
That truly is my last comment, and yours.