Aa
Low Lymphocytes Extremely Scared.
Exposure was unprotected cunnilingus with female 3.5 mos ago.
I took an Oraquick test and it was negative after three months. and 14 weeks
My whole family has gotten a bad cough, but I got it the worst. Went to see my Dr. who took a CBC and my lymphocytes were low. 14 when the normal range begins at 23.
I am still very sick. I have chills. I have night sweats.
Google "low lymphocytes" and nothing but HIV comes up. I'm terrified. I'll see my Dr. next week.
Please. Do you think there's a large change I'm getting a false negative oraquick?
I took an Oraquick test and it was negative after three months. and 14 weeks
My whole family has gotten a bad cough, but I got it the worst. Went to see my Dr. who took a CBC and my lymphocytes were low. 14 when the normal range begins at 23.
I am still very sick. I have chills. I have night sweats.
Google "low lymphocytes" and nothing but HIV comes up. I'm terrified. I'll see my Dr. next week.
Please. Do you think there's a large change I'm getting a false negative oraquick?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the forum.
Responding to the title, before reading your actual question: This probably is a good example of reading lists of HIV/AIDS manifestations without understanding of context. Sure, some people with HIV have low lymphocyte counts, especially in advance AIDS (but not generally with recently acquired infection). However, there are hundreds of causes of low lymphocyte counts; and normal variation means that most healthy people from time to time have levels below the usual normal numbers. Among people with lymphopenia (the medical term for low lymphocytes), I would guess that fewer than one in a million have HIV.
Now I've looked at your question. A negative HIV antibody test at 3+ months, including Oraquick, overrules everything else. You could have had a very high risk exposure (in fact, cunnilingus is zero risk for HIV) or very typical HIV symptoms (you do not). The blood test proves you don't have HIV.
And by the way, new HIV infections don't cause cough. And influenza and many garden variety respiratory viruses are among the things that result in low lymphocyte count. If you also have fever (which you probably do -- fever is what causes chills and night sweats) and with several people in the home with a similar illness, influenza is a good bet. (I'll bet you didn't get vaccinated against flu this year, right?)
Why is it that "nothing but HIV shows up" with online searching about lymphopenia? Remember how Google and other search engines work: they reflect only what people most frequently search for. Probably most people who search about lymphopenia do so as you did, for fear of HIV/AIDS. So searching becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
If your symptoms continue, I agree it would be a good idea to see your doctor. But not because HIV is a serious possibility. It is not. If you were my patient, I wouldn't even request an HIV test in this circumstance. In any case, you can rely on the negative HIV test you've already had.
I hope this has helped. Best wishes-- HHH, MD
Responding to the title, before reading your actual question: This probably is a good example of reading lists of HIV/AIDS manifestations without understanding of context. Sure, some people with HIV have low lymphocyte counts, especially in advance AIDS (but not generally with recently acquired infection). However, there are hundreds of causes of low lymphocyte counts; and normal variation means that most healthy people from time to time have levels below the usual normal numbers. Among people with lymphopenia (the medical term for low lymphocytes), I would guess that fewer than one in a million have HIV.
Now I've looked at your question. A negative HIV antibody test at 3+ months, including Oraquick, overrules everything else. You could have had a very high risk exposure (in fact, cunnilingus is zero risk for HIV) or very typical HIV symptoms (you do not). The blood test proves you don't have HIV.
And by the way, new HIV infections don't cause cough. And influenza and many garden variety respiratory viruses are among the things that result in low lymphocyte count. If you also have fever (which you probably do -- fever is what causes chills and night sweats) and with several people in the home with a similar illness, influenza is a good bet. (I'll bet you didn't get vaccinated against flu this year, right?)
Why is it that "nothing but HIV shows up" with online searching about lymphopenia? Remember how Google and other search engines work: they reflect only what people most frequently search for. Probably most people who search about lymphopenia do so as you did, for fear of HIV/AIDS. So searching becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
If your symptoms continue, I agree it would be a good idea to see your doctor. But not because HIV is a serious possibility. It is not. If you were my patient, I wouldn't even request an HIV test in this circumstance. In any case, you can rely on the negative HIV test you've already had.
I hope this has helped. Best wishes-- HHH, MD
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I knew that -- but thanks for clarifying. It makes no difference in my opinion or advice.
Final advice, on the assumption there's influenza in your home: if any family members are aged, frail, or have other underlying illnesses, s/he definitely should see a doctor. They may be candidates for oseltamivir (Tamiflu), which speeds recovery and helps prevent complications. Also, even healthy or strong individuals benefit it started early -- anyone who is just starting to become ill (within 2-3 days) should see the doc.
Final advice, on the assumption there's influenza in your home: if any family members are aged, frail, or have other underlying illnesses, s/he definitely should see a doctor. They may be candidates for oseltamivir (Tamiflu), which speeds recovery and helps prevent complications. Also, even healthy or strong individuals benefit it started early -- anyone who is just starting to become ill (within 2-3 days) should see the doc.
Thanks Dr. That does help. Being so sick is making me frantic.
It was an oral fluids oraquick, not a blood test.
It was an oral fluids oraquick, not a blood test.
You are reading content posted in the HIV - Prevention Forum
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from surfaces, like toilet seats?
Can you get HIV from casual contact, like hugging?
Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.
