acute hiv cortisteroid on viral load test

[acutehiv]

Dear Sirs,

I am sure this question pops up every day. I have reviewed the answers and questions and i am afraid that i got. HIV.

19 Days after having unprotected sex with a high risk prostitute I experienced epiglottitis.

This is caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b (HIB), though Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and group A beta-hemolytic streptococci.

The above are the typical virus that causes Pharyngitis.

I have also read that People with depressed immune systems may be more likely than others to be affected.

I was hospitalized for 5 days during which i was given corticosteroids and antibiotics.

HIV testing was Negative
Viral load test was undetectable
The Dr advised that my lmpyhonodes clinical test was ok
placquets count was ok normal
and blood white cells were normal.

During the five days stay in the hospital my temperature was 38.2C  to 38.6 C. (100.76 to 101.48 F).

During the 5 days hospitalization I couldn’t eat and had

lymph nodes were non inflamed
No Fatigue
No Rash
No Headache
No Lymphadenopathy
No Nausea
No vomiting
No diarrhea
No Oral ulcers
No Genital ulcers

I was discharged on a five day course of antibiotics, and a reducing scheme that lasted for 12 days of corticosteroids.

Upon discharge of the hospital I started to develop
Diahria that lasted for one week.

A rash of small pink raised pimples heavily concentrated on by my forearm (biceps). I also had them scattered on my back and my belly (very few).

A week after discharge I experienced flu like with coughing an little sneezing

My questions are:

Since the testing was done 19 days after exposure, then HIV test is not conclusive.

Further more, as I was on corticosteroids and on antibiotics during my stay, could this suppressed the Viral load test? ( I understood that Viral load tests are high in patients with Acute HIV)

Now the 6 weeks period to test is on the 27th and I can not wait this much can you please advice?

[acutehiv]

7 weeks and i tested Negative
the Dr Said that there is no need to re-test at 3 months, but if i am still worried he suggested to redo the test then
what do you think?

[acutehiv]

hi again,
i made a mistake above, I am not sure the second test that was done to me was viral load or not.. i can remember that two tests were done results were:

Test one: HIV Negative ( i know with 19 days it is not conclusive)

Test 2: cant remember the name, but result was non-reactive (don't know if this reveres to viral load) ..  what does this non-reactive result mean?)

[acutehiv]

Dear Mike,
many thanks for the comforting information.. I hope that you are correct..

[mike_no]

Hello Friend,

I must tell you this, we all were / are here because there were some strange discomforts we all experienced and that's how we felt HIV could be the problem. However, 99% of the posters here complain about symptoms that could be attributable to HIV but in the end they fare negative on their HIV test. So, this is not new. Please relax.


I understand that you were hospitalized after your sexual event but your negative viral load test were just taken at the correct time frame and only suggests that you don't have HIV. These NAT tests are very specific in nature and looks for the infected DNA/RNA in one's body if infected. NAT tests ate classified in to RNA PCR and DNA PCR, both the test are highly sensitive in nature and are capable to detect even minute amount infected cells, their sensitivity is excellent and hence are able to detect 10 copies / ml of blood.

Realistically, for some one having a potential exposure recently, an RNA PCR at 14 days post exposure would be a great indicator. ,a DNA PCR would be an excellent indicator at 28 days or above. Theoretically, these tests can start detecting the infected copies 72 hrs post exposure.

The body temperatures that you describe can not be related to HIV ARS fever because it is always high in temperature above 102 C and accompanied with rash and night sweat.

You might have developed diarrhoea due the side effects of the meds that you were prescribed at the hospital

HIV ARS rash generally occurs on the trunk of the body and they are macopapular rash not pimples.

Your Answers:

Yes, it's not conclusive but your undetectable NAT test is certainly indicative.

No, antibiotics can't suppress virus. Also the costeriods that was prescribed to you couldn't have suppressed HIV detection by PCR (Viral Load Test), they are not meant to suppress the HIV virus.

Don't worry, you will be fine  - I promise, your negative PCR test only suggests a negative 6 & 12 week antibody test ahead.

[HSci34]

HIV antibody test was too early to really be of use.

A test at 4 weeks is when about 90% of people will have tested positive (should you wish to take one), 6 weeks is >95%.  

[acutehiv]

i forgot to mention that STD tests were negative too