possible HIV-cant stop worrying

[blonde25]

hello all,
my situation is:
went to washington DC. met someone (male) and slept with him (im a woman). wouldnt you know it, our condom breaks while inside of me and after he was done. that was on the 9th. the next day i found out he is bisexual and has slept with other males. i have allergies, am about to get my period, and played a game of tug-o-war (funny, i know) recently. i give these details because i have alot of sinus drainage, a headache,  cramps, and muscle soreness. no sore throat or swollen glands. im on day 3, is that too soon to have symptoms? do i seriously have to wait 3 MONTHS before i can stop worrying?! im so upset i am having a hard time eating or sleeping. should i take an RNA test after 28 days?

[RainLover71]

A PCR test is not a stand alone test nor is it used for diagnostic purposes.It is used to monitor the viral loads of Hiv infected persons.The p24 combo test would be a far better option and alot more accurate and conclusive.

[blonde25]

For future readers with similar situations, after extensive research ( and constant freaking out) this is what I've found. A PCR test (polymerase chain reaction) is used to identify a very early infection. It detects the actually virus levels in your blood. It can give false positives. It will be costing me $400 to order the test, and an estimated $200 for the clinic visit to draw the blood sample. (no health insurance) An HIV testing clinic usually will not do this, you must go thru your healthcare provider and have them order the test. If it is positive, other tests will be done after 3 months. If negative, you're usually pretty safe. Call your health care provider, tell then your situation, and ask if they can send in for a PCR test. I wish I had found this when i was looking, I literally had several clinics say they had no idea what I was talking about. All the best, wish me luck for my test.

[blonde25]

For future readers with similar situations, after extensive research ( and constant freaking out) this is what I've found. A PCR test (polymerase chain reaction) is used to identify a very early infection. It detects the actually virus levels in your blood. It can give false positives. It will be costing me $400 to order the test, and an estimated $200 for the clinic visit to draw the blood sample. (no health insurance) An HIV testing clinic usually will not do this, you must go thru your healthcare provider and have them order the test. If it is positive, other tests will be done after 3 months. If negative, you're usually pretty safe. Call your health care provider, tell then your situation, and ask if they can send in for a PCR test. I wish I had found this when i was looking, I literally had several clinics say they had no idea what I was talking about. All the best, wish me luck for my test.

[RainLover71]

A p24 combo test is ideal at 28 days.Read what our expert doctors say about this test and how reliable it is at that time frame.

[yager3]

It is too soon, the symptoms begin more than 10 days afterwards, there are test that will detect your viral load like in 12 days but they are expensive and won't be conclusive, but if they come negative it will be a relief, also try to talk to this guy to find out more about his HIV status, also it is not that easy to become infected with HIV after a single vaginal sex act.

[RainLover71]

Obviously you had a risk and require testing but you don,t have to wait 3 months you can test at 6 weeks for an excellent indication of your status.You must follow up again at 3 months which will be 100% conclusive.All the best.