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HIV Prevention (Expert Forum)
Any Need For Additional Testing?
Answered by
Edward W Hook, MD - HIV Prevention, stds
This forum is limited to prevention of HIV and to safe sex in general. All questions will be answered by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D. or Edward W Hook, MD.
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Any Need For Additional Testing?
by Harball, Nov 28, 2008 04:02PM
Dr-
I have had two sep hetrosexual encounters with the last encounter on Sept 4th. The one was unprotected oral sex, protected vaginal, (HIV) status is unknown. The latter was unprotected oral, vaginal and anal sex, (HIV) Status is preliminary (NEG) via two seperate PCR/DNA results. Since that time, I developed a burning like sensation primarily on my upper palate (mouth), followed by very pronounced flu-like symptoms that lasted for about week, extreme fatigue, muscle aches in neck and back, as well as, back of legs. I immediately went to an infectious disease Doctor who has years of experiance with (HIV) infection, and due to the short window period, he ordered the pro viral DNA/PCR test, which came back (NEG) at approx 23 days past exposure. I then had another DNA/PCR test at 6.5 weeks, coupled with the standard antibody for HIV type I, II and Subtype 0, which was (NEG). My primary care physician (PCP) suggested another antibody test at 8-weeks past exposure, which also came back (NEG). I followed up with an oral-quick rapid 20-min test at my local County Health facility at 82 days (just shy of 12 week window) which also reported (NEG). My Infectious Disease Doctor has informed me that there is no further need to be tested, since both DNA test were (NEG), as well as, all the antibody test, including the oral quick which I just had this past week. There is certainly no doubt that I had a panic/anxiety attack over this, in fact my (PCP) felt the need to put me on adavan and zoloft. In spite of my risk exposure and more importantly symtoms, would you feel the need for any further retesting? I really want to put this behind me and get on with my life.
I have had two sep hetrosexual encounters with the last encounter on Sept 4th. The one was unprotected oral sex, protected vaginal, (HIV) status is unknown. The latter was unprotected oral, vaginal and anal sex, (HIV) Status is preliminary (NEG) via two seperate PCR/DNA results. Since that time, I developed a burning like sensation primarily on my upper palate (mouth), followed by very pronounced flu-like symptoms that lasted for about week, extreme fatigue, muscle aches in neck and back, as well as, back of legs. I immediately went to an infectious disease Doctor who has years of experiance with (HIV) infection, and due to the short window period, he ordered the pro viral DNA/PCR test, which came back (NEG) at approx 23 days past exposure. I then had another DNA/PCR test at 6.5 weeks, coupled with the standard antibody for HIV type I, II and Subtype 0, which was (NEG). My primary care physician (PCP) suggested another antibody test at 8-weeks past exposure, which also came back (NEG). I followed up with an oral-quick rapid 20-min test at my local County Health facility at 82 days (just shy of 12 week window) which also reported (NEG). My Infectious Disease Doctor has informed me that there is no further need to be tested, since both DNA test were (NEG), as well as, all the antibody test, including the oral quick which I just had this past week. There is certainly no doubt that I had a panic/anxiety attack over this, in fact my (PCP) felt the need to put me on adavan and zoloft. In spite of my risk exposure and more importantly symtoms, would you feel the need for any further retesting? I really want to put this behind me and get on with my life.
Doctor's Answer
by Edward W Hook, MD, Nov 28, 2008 06:29PM
, Nov 28, 2008 06:29PM
So basically what you are asking for here is asecond or third opinion as to your need for further testing. The answer is easy. There is no need for further testing. You can be sure that you did not get HIV from the encounters you describe and your symptoms are due to something other than HIV.
Your antibody tests PROVE that you did not get HIV. The PCRT tests do as well. Either of these tests, at the times they were performed. provide certain information that you do not have HIV.
As for your symptoms, my guess is that you caught some other community acquired viral infection, probably by some other mode of transmission than sexual contact. I would suggest symptomatic treatment with fluids and anti-inflammatory medications such as indomethicin unless you have a reason not to take it (stomach ulcer, other). If the symptoms are not improving, you may wish to consult one of your own doctors.
Hope this helps. EWH
Your antibody tests PROVE that you did not get HIV. The PCRT tests do as well. Either of these tests, at the times they were performed. provide certain information that you do not have HIV.
As for your symptoms, my guess is that you caught some other community acquired viral infection, probably by some other mode of transmission than sexual contact. I would suggest symptomatic treatment with fluids and anti-inflammatory medications such as indomethicin unless you have a reason not to take it (stomach ulcer, other). If the symptoms are not improving, you may wish to consult one of your own doctors.
Hope this helps. EWH
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HHH, MD
Would you concur with Dr Hook's message above? The only thing that has concerned me is the fact that my tongue/mouth still continues to burn a bit. The thing that scares me is that I got that symptom shortly after having the encounters I mentioned above, and unfortunately; it has not completely gone away, certainly subsided a bit, but its a constant reminder. What are the chances of having the two dna/pcr test, as well as, the antibody testing at 6.5 weeks and 8 weeks, followed up by the ora quick mouth swab and later seraconverting to (hiv) positive status? Have you in your professional experiance ever heard of such a thing? Can I really relax now? Please advise, thank you