Information regarding HIV and testing

[scorpionking_543]

Dear Sir,

I would like to know a few information regarding HIV. I am a male and my age is 20.

I had unprotected oral sex(me as the receptive partner), protected vaginal intercourse followed by mutual mustubation with a female sex worker in a bar in Bangkok, Thailand 16 weeks ago. Soon after that I got really scared of contracting HIV. I got three tests done so far. All those are rapid test. The 1st test was at 6 weeks after the incidence. It was an ECLIA test which came back negative. The 2nd was was MEIA test at 9 weeks and came back negative as well. The last I did was an ECLIA test after 14 weeks from the incident and it came back negative as well.

However, after 12 weeks from the incident I started having swollen neck glands, cough, nagal congestion. I went to see the doctor at 14 weeks, he told me that I am suffering from sinus infection. After I finished the 1st medication, I went for a follow up after 1 week. My nagal congestion went away, also the cough. But I still have swollen lymph nodes in the neck and I feel extremely thirsty all the time. The doctor then diagnosed me as having cervical lymphadenitis and gave me further medication. I am still taking those medicines and I have a follow up next week.

Now my questions are as follows:

1. Is a 14 week ECLIA test confirmative or do I need to test again?

2. I have read on the internet that people infected with HIV have symptoms, if any, after 4-6 weeks. Is it possible that my swollen neck lymph nodes after 12 weeks, which is still present for almost 20 days, may be due to HIV?

3. Do I need to test for any other STD? I dont have any such symptoms of STD.


Please be kind enough to reply. I am very scared. Thanking you in advance.

[LIZZIE LOU]

the ONLY ppl who need to test out further than 3 months are those with a SEVERELY compromised immune system.  this includes ppl on chemotherapy, taking anti-rejection drugs following an organ transplant, and CHRONIC iv drug abusers.

the CURRENT guideline set by the fda, cdc, and manufacturers of the tests, is 3 months post exposure for a conclusive result.

this forum is hiv specific.  please address any questions regarding stds in general to the std forum.

YOU DO NOT HAVE A HIV CONCERN.  END OF STORY.

[scorpionking_543]

thanks a lot for ur reply. But why do some doctors and forums ask for a 6 month HIV antibody test? another thing is that do i need to test for any STD? I have no specific symptoms other than swollen lymph nodes in my neck which I came to know after visiting an ENT specialist. thank u once again.

[LIZZIE LOU]

you were NEVER at risk and did NOT need testing...but since you tested anyway...your test at 14 weeks PROVES that you were not infected.

any symptoms you have had in the past or are having now...are NO WAY related to hiv.  period...end of story.