HIV and VDs

[whatshappening1]

Hi

I have been sexually active quiet only a very less number of times in my life. I have the following doubts.
1. What are VDs and STDs. How different are they? What is the list of most common/risky VDs and STDs one should get checkup for ?
2. I have a little knowledge on HIV regarding the window period being 6 months etc.. I have the following questions:
  a. I know the symptoms, but the question they are all mixed up. Is it true that after the initial flu like symptoms there wont be anything at all till it converts  to AIDS?
b. Are ARS and Acute infection same?
c. Why do they have Antibody, Antigen and PCR tests? Having waited for the complete 6 months, are ANtibody tests reliable?

Kindly help me. Hoping to hear back.

Regards

[Teak]

We don't discuss symptoms on this forum. HIV has no specific symptoms. The only way to diagnose thrush is by a doctor or dentist.

[whatshappening1]

I had pinged u exactly the same time u had posted the reply. Sory I din know how to remove it. Would be greatful if you can kindly clarify the question regadring white tongue and what is that oral candiasis is all about.

I am getting white tongue and definitely not the same as before and feels very dry on the tongue with red mild lesions coming and going that burns..

[whatshappening1]

Just to bump in regarding the sensitivity and % of false negatives in these tests.. And are white (feels dehydrated) tongues a symptom of HIV?

[Teak]

Reread the reply that you were already given.

A person with a negative or inconclusive result may be in the “window for 4 to 6 weeks but occasionally up to 3 months after HIV exposure. Persons at high risk who initially test negative should be retested 3 months after exposure to confirm results

[whatshappening1]

OK. I should then go for AB tests only. I am past four weeks. To ensure/double confirm the counsellor also suggested to take it after 6 months in a different center. Would that be required and from your experience how would be the false positive in these tests?

Sorry for bombarding you with questions, I am in a serious/possible permanent relationship now. Hence want to be truthful and guilt free.

Thanks a million

[Teak]

Combo test are of no relevance before the first week or after week 4 after a possible exposure. The antigen part of the test is useless. The only test needed is the antibody test.

http://www.cdc.gov/globalaids/Resources/pmtct-care/docs/TM/Module_6TM.pdf
Page 11
#4
  In an adult, a positive HIV antibody test result means that the person is infected, a person with a negative or inconclusive result may be in the “window for 4 to 6 weeks but occasionally up to 3 months after HIV exposure. Persons at high risk who initially test negative should be retested 3 months after exposure to confirm results

[whatshappening1]

So can I infer that as Antibody tests are sufficient after window period and that possibility she mentioned is not realistic. (She scared me off with hi-fi words like rare cases of Non sero-conversion and all that and hence the anxiety) . Also, can I neglect possible symptoms like fever etc.. if my test is negative. Cos, thats also a cause of worry??

Teak, any word of advise on the Combo tests contradiction I mentioned. I know its a lab technician kind of question. But, hoping some one might have asked you the same/perhaps u have answer to that also, I am just bumping into that again. Is it really possible to get combo test result within half a day?

Thanks

[Teak]

Well you tell the counsellor she doesn't know what she is talking about.

[whatshappening1]

Ok. Thats what I initially was told over phone. But, on another opinion from another counsellor she says Antibody tests are not reliable sometimes even after 6 months, owing to possibility of antibodies never being produced in some people. She said I should take PCR or P24 antigen test. This contradiction is confusing me. What should I do now? Is her statement a possibility or true?

Also, as an intermediate step I called up two centers for combo test. One says they will give the result in 4 hours. Another says it will take 1 week for combo test whereas they can give Antibody alone in 4 hours. This again is confusing regarding the credibility of the centers. Is it really possible to get combo test in 4 hours?

I am sorry from all I read, this seems to be the most active forum. Hence I am asking this. Kindly pardon if its deviating in any manner.

[Teak]

Don't blame anyone for your lack of using protection,you can test now and obtain a conclusive test result, any HIV antibody test will be sufficient.

[whatshappening1]

Its owing to my ex partner. Her status is unknown and she was indulging in may such activities. So, even if about other STD's is irrelevant here. What kind of test should I take for HIV. My last exposure was more than 3 months ago.

Thanks

[Teak]

This forum is an assessment forum not HIV101. Did you have an exposure you have a question on.?