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Worried about exposures >10 years ago.
Hello Doctor(s),
I have posted to this forum before and unfortunately am still anxious about HIV. Since the last time I've posted in October 2009, I've tested at 6 weeks and 8 weeks (Clearview Stat Pak HIV 1/2 finger prick) post exposure to unprotected oral sex received at a massage parlor. Both tests were negative and based on my readings on the expert/community forums I feel reasonably comfortable that I did not get infected then (9/10/2009).
However what I am concerned about is that about 4 weeks ago I did get treated for genital warts (3 small warts at the base of penis). That along with a nagging cough for the past couple of months and previous symptoms described in an earlier post and now what appears to be a mild seborrheic dermatitis on my face has me worried about higher risk exposures (unprotected vaginal) that I had between 10 and 15 years ago. Is it possible that exposures from between 1996 and 2001 would go undetected in the recent HIV antibody tests? I've read that people may serorevert in later stages of HIV/AIDS.
I have posted to this forum before and unfortunately am still anxious about HIV. Since the last time I've posted in October 2009, I've tested at 6 weeks and 8 weeks (Clearview Stat Pak HIV 1/2 finger prick) post exposure to unprotected oral sex received at a massage parlor. Both tests were negative and based on my readings on the expert/community forums I feel reasonably comfortable that I did not get infected then (9/10/2009).
However what I am concerned about is that about 4 weeks ago I did get treated for genital warts (3 small warts at the base of penis). That along with a nagging cough for the past couple of months and previous symptoms described in an earlier post and now what appears to be a mild seborrheic dermatitis on my face has me worried about higher risk exposures (unprotected vaginal) that I had between 10 and 15 years ago. Is it possible that exposures from between 1996 and 2001 would go undetected in the recent HIV antibody tests? I've read that people may serorevert in later stages of HIV/AIDS.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Correct, except the last sentence is too weak: almost definitely you would have detectable antibodies; seroreversion is rare if it occurs at all.
That's defintely the last comment on this thread.
That's defintely the last comment on this thread.
Thanks again Dr. Handsfield. Today I learned:
1. Once your infected with HIV, your body will create antibodies that will be detectable by FDA approved AB tests beginning anywhere from a few weeks for some to 3 months for virtually all.
2. Once the antibodies are detectable, they will be detectable in 6 months, 5 years, 10 years, etc. Essentially they will be detectable for the rest of your life.
3. If you are immunosuppressed to the point where you're in the late stages of AIDS, you would be EXTREMELY sick and most likely hospitalized. You would have lost a lot of weight and be visibly ill to others. (You would still most likely have detectable antibodies at this point.)
Kind regards.
1. Once your infected with HIV, your body will create antibodies that will be detectable by FDA approved AB tests beginning anywhere from a few weeks for some to 3 months for virtually all.
2. Once the antibodies are detectable, they will be detectable in 6 months, 5 years, 10 years, etc. Essentially they will be detectable for the rest of your life.
3. If you are immunosuppressed to the point where you're in the late stages of AIDS, you would be EXTREMELY sick and most likely hospitalized. You would have lost a lot of weight and be visibly ill to others. (You would still most likely have detectable antibodies at this point.)
Kind regards.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
You're reading too much, and not with sufficient care. Note seroREversion, not seroCONversion. Seroconversion means going from negative to positive; seroreversion is the opposite, the change of a previously positive test to negative. It is irrelevant to your situation. It is not possible you had HIV for 10+ years and were not sick enough to know it (maybe dead).
That's all on this thread. Time to move on.
That's all on this thread. Time to move on.
Thank you doctor for your prompt response. I guess that an anxious mind has a tendency to be selective in what it picks up fropm reading text. I actually read a post from this forum where you gave your opinion to someone in 2007:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/HIV-Prevention/Is-seroreversion-possible/show/346521
As soon as I read it I the first part of your response had me worried: "Seroreversion does not occur with HIV, except rarely, as you correctly quote (I think there are only a small handful of known cases) in people with very advancse AIDS." My mind immediately put myself amongst the rarely seroreverted.
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/HIV-Prevention/Is-seroreversion-possible/show/346521
As soon as I read it I the first part of your response had me worried: "Seroreversion does not occur with HIV, except rarely, as you correctly quote (I think there are only a small handful of known cases) in people with very advancse AIDS." My mind immediately put myself amongst the rarely seroreverted.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Your previous question was actually on the STD forum. But welcome to this one.
However, as was obvious in your other question, and as you recognize yourself, you are overly anxious about HIV -- even obsessed, it seems.
"I've read that people may serorevert in later stages of HIV/AIDS." You did not read that in any scientifically reliable source, or you misinterpreted what you read. It is not possible to have HIV and have a negative blood test more than 6 weeks (rarely up to 3 months) after exposure. Your recent test results prove you were not infected during the exposures 10-15 years ago.
Let's not have any follow-up "yes but" or "what if" questions. There is no information you could provide that would change my opinion and advice. If your anxieties about HIV continue despite such overwhelming evidence, consider seeking professional counseling about it. I suggest it out of compassion, not criticism.
HHH, MD
However, as was obvious in your other question, and as you recognize yourself, you are overly anxious about HIV -- even obsessed, it seems.
"I've read that people may serorevert in later stages of HIV/AIDS." You did not read that in any scientifically reliable source, or you misinterpreted what you read. It is not possible to have HIV and have a negative blood test more than 6 weeks (rarely up to 3 months) after exposure. Your recent test results prove you were not infected during the exposures 10-15 years ago.
Let's not have any follow-up "yes but" or "what if" questions. There is no information you could provide that would change my opinion and advice. If your anxieties about HIV continue despite such overwhelming evidence, consider seeking professional counseling about it. I suggest it out of compassion, not criticism.
HHH, MD
You are reading content posted in the HIV - Prevention Forum
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from surfaces, like toilet seats?
Can you get HIV from casual contact, like hugging?
Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.
