Hello Doctor, I had sex with a sex worker 35 days ago. I have had symptoms for the past month, such as nail discoloration, throat dryness for three weeks, cold, constant sneezing, and penis burning sensation. Is it HIV? I tested with an antibody test today, after 5 weeks of exposure, and it was non-reactive. Please advise how accurate the antibody test is after 5 weeks?

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Dr Kamran Mohammed

General Practitioner

MBBS
FIDM
5+ Yrs

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Your HIV test after 5 weeks being negative is a strong sign that youre likely not infected. However, for complete accuracy, its best to retest at 12 weeks. Your symptoms are not specific to HIV and could be related to stress or a general viral infection. No need to panic just do a follow-up test at 3 months.

Dr. Kamran Suggests...

Take a HIV 1 AND 2 ANTIBODIES Test

Book HIV 1 AND 2 ANTIBODIES Test

Answered 10/09/2025

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