Serious HIV issue

[butters123]

I just got back from the Philippines where I had unprotected sex with two CSW and a blowjob from a third (uncovered). I had some rough sex (with condom) from another girl which caused small abrasions on my penis. I then had unprotected sex with the 2 women and got a blowjob. The blowjob led to an infection that was treated with antibiotics. I also had a swollen lymph node in my groin. That was about a month ago. The antibiotics reduced the lymph node quite a bit to almost normal size. Now, I've just tested positive for herpes (I assume I got it from one of the two women I had unprotected sex with). I'm going to get an HIV test in about a month and a half. Up to this point, I haven't had any type of fever, rash, chills, headaches, or anything associaited with the typical HIV symptoms and only the one lymph node in the groin is still slightly swollen. I am definitely worried. Could I have an asymptomic infection??

[butters123]

I read online that the instructions for the Oraquick test state that the cheeks are NOT to be scraped. I'm pretty sure I scraped my cheek in addition to my lower gums. Does that make my test invalid? Does scraping the cheek screw up the result?

[Dr. Jose Gonzalez-Garcia, MD, MRCGP, PhD]

Hello once again,
I think you can consider it very reassuring and pretty conclusive.  These tests are very sensitive and even after 6 or 8 weeks (and even earlier) can detect the presence of HIV antibodies.  The guidelines for that test in question is that it is final and fully conclusive after 12 weeks or 84 days.  In reality there is no real statistical difference between 11 or 12 weeks.  Bearing all thsi in mind I would conclude that you are HIV negative, which is excellent news.
All the best,
Dr Jose

[butters123]

I just got tested (11 weeks post exposure) with the Oraquick Advance Rapid HIV 1/2 test--negative.  I know this is still within the 3 month window. How accurate should I consider this result given that I've got 2 weeks left until I'm out of the 3 month window?

[Dr. Jose Gonzalez-Garcia, MD, MRCGP, PhD]

Hello,
You have certainly put yourself at risk of HIV infection in more than one occassion.  It is absolutely crazy to have unprotected intercourse with strangers and/or sex workers.  Having sex is a good thing, but please make sure that you alwyas use protection!!  Because you have been at risk of HIV infection, it is indeed very improtant that you get tested.  Having contracted a concomitant infection, like herpes in your case, can increase the risk of HIV transmission.  The fact that you have not had many symptoms does not mean that you have not got infected.  Not everybody who gets infected develops symptoms of acute HIV sero-conversion.  My advice to you is to get tested as soon as possible; you can have a HIV Duo after 4 weeks.
Best wisehs,
Dr Jose