Hi. My story's a bit complicated so I hope you have the time to read it and answer my questions.
I had vaginal intercourse 11 weeks ago with a man of unknown status. 27 days later, I had an Ag/Ab test which came back non-reactive. Since I was really concerned about getting infected, I asked my doctor if I can start taking PrEP. Since an Ag/Ab test is considered conclusive at 28 days and 27 days was too close and was very unlikely to change in a day, I started PrEP the same day. Here's where the complication starts. I started getting symptoms after - from feverish feelings, mouth sores, etc. Everytime I experience "symptoms", I get tested. This is on top of the regular testing that you should get when on PrEP. I got tested on Day 29, Day 36, Day 48, Day 62, and Day 71. These tests were taken while I was already on PrEP. All of these tests are non-reactive.
1. Can I consider that I did not get infected from the sexual encounter 11 weeks ago? Was the 27 day test (which was very close to 28 days) really conclusive.
Here's where it gets more complicated. Everytime I get tested, I worry that I might get infected. The Day 29, Day 36, Day 62 and Day 71 tests are particularly concerning for me since I did not see the needle get opened in front of me. However, the Day 62 test was taken 5 weeks after the Day 29 test, while the Day 71 test was taken 5 weeks after the Day 36 test.
2. Can I rule out that I did not get infected from the Day 29 and Day 36 tests? Since the suceeding tests were taken 5 weeks after these incidents?
3. I was told that PrEP does not change the window period of an Ag/Ab test. This means that the succeeding tests from Days 29 and 36 were conclusive that I did not get infected from these tests right? Since these were taken 5 weeks after these tests.
Now, around 12 days after the Day 62 test, I developed an itchy throat which sometimes lead to very mild coughing. Are these symptoms of ARS? I'm worried since these appeared 2 weeks after the Day 62 test which is when ARS symptoms usually start to appear.
4. Is an itchy throat and a mild cough symptoms of ARS?
5. What are the risks if the nurse accidentally reused a needle when drawing my blood?
6. Since I'm a PrEP user, can PrEP protect me from this incident? My doctor explained the effectiveness of PrEP when it comes to intercourse but not when it comes to needles.
I'd also like to point out that I haven't had any sexual encounter aside from that incident 11 weeks ago.
Please, help me out with my questions. I need some clarity right now. Please. Your help will be greatly appreciated.