Hello Doctor,
I have done extensive browsing through this site, but have found conflicting info on "conclusive" test results at different times. I know inevitably similar questions get posted in this forum with similar replies, but please consider the nature of my symptoms.
Anyway, in December 2010 I had unprotected sex with a commercial sex worker in USA. I tested negative via 2nd generation antibody test at 8 weeks exactly (Home Access HIV-1). Then, at 9.5 weeks I tested negative again (via I'm assuming 3rd generation test through LabCorp--HIV-1 antibody with reflex to western blot, and HIV 1/O/2 abs qual). Also, at that time all 7 other common STDs were negative.
I was feeling very confident and happy about my results, but now (at approximately 14-15 weeks post-exposure) I've felt very ill. I have a pretty severe and diffuse rash on my chest, back, and arms that didn't respond to anti-histamines. It is unlike anything I can ever remember, and really has no apparent cause. Also, I've felt quite ill. Mild fever and hot at night, headache, diarrhea, nausea, and malaise. The rash is the most concerning, and is quite unusual for me... the rash on my trunk is what made me second-guess the situation.
I should note that I've been on corticosteroid nasal sprays each day (total of .2 mg of steroid/day), PLUS topical steroid ointment for skin issues (not at all like this rash), at about .1 mg daily.
1. Could the steroids cause me a delayed seroconversion?
2. How likely is it I have HIV?
3. Do I need to test again, and should I wait till current symptoms resolve (assuming they are delayed ARS, so antibodies could form)?
I'd really rather not test again, but I'm pretty worried. I just want some clear advice (from a conservative perspective) as to whether or not there is a real chance I still might have HIV and need more testing. Please let me know if you need more details of exposure.
Thank you.