Rapid HIV test kit -False positive. ARS symptoms/Anxiety

[basil2012]

Hi Doctor. I posted some concerns the other day, but to refresh - Protected Oral sex, 2 days later protected oral & vaginal sex with a prostitute in an Australian Licensed Brothel. No noticable break to condoms. 17 days later, I came down with a very sore throat, 5 days after the sore throat started i found two tiny pea sized nodes under jaw. I've had a little bit of diarrhea, but it was a week & a half after the start of my symptoms, & i put it down to stress etc... I have had NO other syptoms-  fever, rash, headaches, flu like illness, nodes in other locations, fatigue, muscle aches etc. My doctor said that i have Pharyngitis & prescribed me with antibiotics & gave me a hot of penicillin.

I was told on this forum that my chances of HIV infection were very low, yet i have had my sore throat for two weeks. Last week i orded a B-Clear rapid test kit from New Zealand,which should arrive in a few days. It complies with the ISO 13485 and GMP standard of quality. They have accuracy of >99% and detect both the HIV 1 and 2 and subtype virus.

My Questions are 1. Is a sore throat that has persisted for two weeks with two small jaw nodes (no other symptoms)consistant with ARS? 2. Do ARS symptoms usually persist for longer that two weeks? 3. If i don't have Hiv what are the chances of a false positive result, given that i still have a sore throat/seperate illness?

I am terrified of getting a positive result (that could be false) & putting my family through the associated trauma. In Australia you must have an Antibody test before you can have a western blot test, so i feel totally lost. I'm exhausted with guilt/anxiety/fear and i no longer no what to do for the best. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

All the best. B.

[basil2012]

Hi Dr Hook. I have just tested myself & i am HIV negative!!

Thank you so much for yor help, compassion & guidance during a difficult couple of weeks.You do fantasic work on this forum & i will always appreciate your advice. Now i've got my whole life ahead of me to enjoy.

all the best & once again....thanks,

B.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Last Answer:

As I told you earlier, there is no medical reason for testing- I would not test but I also would not be worried.  I suggested you consider talking with your doctor only in the anticipation that if you did talk with him, he would assure you that there is no realistic possiblity that you got HIV from the encounter you have described.

EWH

End of

[Edward W Hook, MD]

My goodness, your anxiety is getting the best of you.  I suggested you speak with your doctor because I was hopefully he could provide you with reassurance that you are not at risk- nothing more.  

There is no medical reason for testing.  If you choose to test, it would be because of the peace of mind testing might provide.

This will be my final reply.  EWH

[basil2012]

Hi,

I'm so very sorry that I've broken my promise not to ask anything else Dr Hook, but I can't stop thinking about your last comment.

The comment you made about 'asking my Dr about the possibility of HIV'. Was that in meant in the context of asking him to reinforce the fact that my risk was incredibly low & my symptoms are not consistent with ARS. Or was it to genuinely look at HIV as a possibility?

Given the symptoms that i presented to you & the low risk of my encounter. If it was you, would you test?

I also wanted to say that although I do have a son, I have been divorced for two years. My experiences  at the brothel were the first time that I have done anything like that. Never ever again.

Thank so very much doctor.
God bless.

B.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Straight to your questions.

1.  You certainly could have gotten your sore throat.  Different people are affected differently by the same virus.

2.  The length of your sore throat is not consistent with the ARS and swollen lymph nodes are to be expected following a sore throat of any sort.

3.  Seeing your doctor is certainly reasonable.  You could even ask him about the possibility of HIV.

Take care.

[basil2012]

Thank you so much Doctor, I appreciate your compassionate reply. I don't know how i would have coped without the advice from this forum.

Just a couple more questions and I promise that i will leave you alone.

My 3 year old son had a nasty virus that started 4 days before my sore throat began. He had a high temp, runny nose, cough & a middle ear infection. 1. could I have contracted his virus & it affected me in a different way to him?

2. What has me scared of HIV (as well as the longevity of my sore throat i.e.- immune system down due to HIV infection so it persists...could that happen?) is having the little nodes under my jaw. Is that normal with a persistent throat infection?

3.Before i test for HIV (as my risk is 'virtually none') should i see my doctor again & get tested for other infections such as mono?

I am so sorry for bothering you, this is the last you will hear from me until my situation is resolved. You must think i'm crazy.

All the best wishes from Australia.
B.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

As you were told, this was a virtually no risk encounter.  If you choose to test however, why not do it at a professional testing center.  Confidentiality should not be a problem, there will be no question about the skill of the person who performs the test, and you will have access to the latest (4th) generation of tests which provide definitive results at 4 weeks.

As for your specific questions:
1.  An isolated sore throat does not suggest the ARS but rather a typical, every day, non-STD/HIV community acquired viral sore throat.
2.  The ARS rarely lasts even a week and certainly not two weeks.
3.  Your chances of a false positive are low, less than 1 in 100 but higher with a home rapid test that a professionally done test.  Your chances of a false positive are also higher than your risk of having gotten HIV.

I hope this helps.  Please do not worry EWH