Question 1

I had unprotected oral sex 7 days ago with someone who said they have a low CD4 count, so I am worried they might be HIV positive. I started PEP at around 69 to 70 hours after the incident and have been taking it for 4 days. Now, I have symptoms like intermittent fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, rash, and joint pain (especially in the knees). Are these symptoms due to HIV infection or side effects of the medicine? My initial test was negative, when should I get tested again?

Question 2

For the past two years, my lymphocyte count has been high, around 46 percent of my total WBC. Recently, I had another CBC test, and both my lymphocyte and WBC counts are coming down. About two years ago, I had a sexual exposure, after which I did multiple HIV antibody tests, including one 1.5 years later, all of which were negative. These tests were conducted at three different certified laboratories. Could my past high lymphocyte count be related to HIV? Is it possible that all my HIV test results were false negatives even after 18 months? I am feeling extremely anxious, am I free from HIV, or should I be concerned?

Question 3

I had unprotected sex with a sex worker. I took an HIV RNA PCR test after 28 days, and the result was not detected. At 86 days, the HIV antibody test was non reactive, with a CD4 count of 503. At 100 days, the RNA PCR test was not detected, and at 108 days, the antibody test was non reactive.

I had unprotected sex with an HIV positive woman. I took an HIV RNA PCR test after 28 days, and the result was not detected.

A negative HIV RNA PCR at 28 days is reassuring but a repeat test at 6 weeks or 3 months is recommended for confirmation.

More HIV PCR Test Health Queries

I had unprotected sex with a sex worker. I took an HIV RNA PCR test after 28 days, and the result was not detected. At 86 days, the HIV antibody test was non reactive, with a CD4 count of 503. At 100 days, the RNA PCR test was not detected, and at 108 days, the antibody test was non reactive.