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ARS and HIV infection
Dr.
I had unprotected sex with a female on Mar 23, 2009. Just a brief background on her. She just got out of a two year relationship, I had been tested (negative) months ago and had not had any exposure since then for about 4 months. I knew I was negative. I then had sex with her. Approxiamately 2-3 weeks after the exposure I had a constant headache, no fever, my hands felt shaky, and a week before that I felt some stomach pain. I have had the headache for 3 weeks straight, a couple of days I felt really tired and irritable. I got tested again post possible exposure 5 1/2 weeks. I tested negative. It has now been 7 weeks 1 day. I still have a slight headache my energy is coming back. Also keep in mind, I have had no fever, no sore throat, no other symptoms. I have had some stress such as a divorce, buying a new business, and getting my finances back in order. The headache scares me and I just have the troubling fear that it is ARS. My question is will you test negative if you are having ARS symptoms, also how long will ARS symptoms remain. Also, do I need to show more signs of ARS, I had no rash, fever, sore throat, ect, only a headache and some joint or muscle pain. Will you lymph nodes swell where you can notice them or is it slightly. I am going crazy waiting. I know you are confindent after a 6 week test and I plan to test tomorrow which will be over 7 weeks, I will for sure test at 3 months but what do you think. I have read so much information that 97% of people will test positive if infected after 25 days is that true and if it is will you test positive while having ARS symptoms if you truly do have ARS?
I had unprotected sex with a female on Mar 23, 2009. Just a brief background on her. She just got out of a two year relationship, I had been tested (negative) months ago and had not had any exposure since then for about 4 months. I knew I was negative. I then had sex with her. Approxiamately 2-3 weeks after the exposure I had a constant headache, no fever, my hands felt shaky, and a week before that I felt some stomach pain. I have had the headache for 3 weeks straight, a couple of days I felt really tired and irritable. I got tested again post possible exposure 5 1/2 weeks. I tested negative. It has now been 7 weeks 1 day. I still have a slight headache my energy is coming back. Also keep in mind, I have had no fever, no sore throat, no other symptoms. I have had some stress such as a divorce, buying a new business, and getting my finances back in order. The headache scares me and I just have the troubling fear that it is ARS. My question is will you test negative if you are having ARS symptoms, also how long will ARS symptoms remain. Also, do I need to show more signs of ARS, I had no rash, fever, sore throat, ect, only a headache and some joint or muscle pain. Will you lymph nodes swell where you can notice them or is it slightly. I am going crazy waiting. I know you are confindent after a 6 week test and I plan to test tomorrow which will be over 7 weeks, I will for sure test at 3 months but what do you think. I have read so much information that 97% of people will test positive if infected after 25 days is that true and if it is will you test positive while having ARS symptoms if you truly do have ARS?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Wecome to the forum. You seem to know all the answers and are just looking for confirmation.
If you're in North America or western Europe, the chance a woman like you describe has HIV is almost zero. Her recent negative test proves it. You research is correct that modern HIV tests pick up almost all infections by 3-4 weeks; I can't vouch exactly for the 97% figure at 25 days, but it's about right. It is also true that if your symptoms were due to ARS, the test would definitely be positive by now. Your symptoms don't suggest ARS anyway; it is almost impossible to have ARS without fever, and sore throat also is very common. However, many of your symptoms are absolutely classical for the physical manifestations of anxiety; I could use your comments to teach medical students about it.
You didn't need testing at all after this exposure, except for anxiety relief. Your negative results so far are virtually 100% proof you didn't catch HIV. But if you insist on still further testing, I suggest a single additional test. You could do it either at 7-8 weeks or 3 months. Or, since you're obviously worried beyond reason, why not call your partner? She might be as worried as you are. After all, statistically she is at greater risk of HIV from you than you are from her. Maybe she would be happy to get tested again herself, in exchange for your letting her know you are doing it as well.
Let's not get into any "yes but?", "what if?", or "are you sure?" questions. It is unlikely there is any information you could provide that would change my opinion or advice.
Really, there's no chance you have HIV from this exposure. Whether you test again or not, move on with no worries.
Regards-- HHH, MD
If you're in North America or western Europe, the chance a woman like you describe has HIV is almost zero. Her recent negative test proves it. You research is correct that modern HIV tests pick up almost all infections by 3-4 weeks; I can't vouch exactly for the 97% figure at 25 days, but it's about right. It is also true that if your symptoms were due to ARS, the test would definitely be positive by now. Your symptoms don't suggest ARS anyway; it is almost impossible to have ARS without fever, and sore throat also is very common. However, many of your symptoms are absolutely classical for the physical manifestations of anxiety; I could use your comments to teach medical students about it.
You didn't need testing at all after this exposure, except for anxiety relief. Your negative results so far are virtually 100% proof you didn't catch HIV. But if you insist on still further testing, I suggest a single additional test. You could do it either at 7-8 weeks or 3 months. Or, since you're obviously worried beyond reason, why not call your partner? She might be as worried as you are. After all, statistically she is at greater risk of HIV from you than you are from her. Maybe she would be happy to get tested again herself, in exchange for your letting her know you are doing it as well.
Let's not get into any "yes but?", "what if?", or "are you sure?" questions. It is unlikely there is any information you could provide that would change my opinion or advice.
Really, there's no chance you have HIV from this exposure. Whether you test again or not, move on with no worries.
Regards-- HHH, MD
Hey mate,
have a look at my post to the doc, its almost identical to yours! you will be fine- the anxiety has been the biggest problem for me the last 2 months.
cheers.
have a look at my post to the doc, its almost identical to yours! you will be fine- the anxiety has been the biggest problem for me the last 2 months.
cheers.
The only thing I think you miss understood was that she didn't get tested. I did. But she has told me that she does not have anything. I still feel really positive from your response. The response on ARS and my symptoms and no fever really clarified alot with me. The mind is such a powerful organ as far as creating anxiety and the effects from it. I would love it if you use my comments for your students. Thanks for the help doc.
Time to live a worry free life again. And I promise nothing but latex.
Time to live a worry free life again. And I promise nothing but latex.
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