apollo
  • Male
  • 30 Years
  • 29/01/2025

I've taken the HIV antibody and p24 antigen tests at the 5-month mark, and again after 6 months, and they both came back negative. I'm really anxious about whether this 6-month window period is enough to be sure that I'm HIV negative. Can you give me some clarity on this?

Doctor 1

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Based on your negative HIV antibody and p24 antigen tests at 5 months and 6 months post-exposure, it is highly likely that you are HIV negative. The window period for these tests is typically around 4-6 weeks, so testing at 5 and 6 months post-exposure provides a very reliable indication of your HIV status. It is recommended to continue practicing safe sex and regular testing for sexually transmitted infections for overall health maintenance.

Dr. Dhankecha Suggests...

Consult a Infectious Disease specialist

Answered 04/07/2025

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I'm feeling really anxious because even though my HIV test came back negative after two years, I'm still experiencing symptoms like oral thrush, tongue pain, itchy lips, and some rashes on my body. My lymph nodes are kind of swollen too. I had an RNA PCR test and it said target not detected, my CD4 count was 1197, and the antibody-antigen serology test was negative. I'm worried because I think I might be a late seroconverter. Should I wait a few more years and keep testing to be sure, or could there be another issue causing these symptoms? Please help. I'm really unsure if I could be negative or positive.

Negative HIV test after 2 years, but symptoms persist: *Interpretation:* 1. HIV-negative status confirmed. 2. CD4 count (1197) is normal. 3. RNA PCR (viral load) undetectable. 4. Antibodyantigen serology negative. *Symptoms may indicate:* 1. Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) 2. Opportunistic infections (e.g., oral thrush) 3. Allergic reactions 4. Other health conditions (e.g., autoimmune disorders) *Recommendations:* 1. Consult an infectious disease specialist or immunologist. 2. Rule out other infections (e.g., fungal, bacterial). 3. Consider: - Antifungal treatment for oral thrush. - Topical creams for lip itching and rashes. - Pain management for tongue pain. 4. Monitor lymph nodes and repeat testing if necessary. 5. Address anxiety and stress through counseling or support groups. *Late seroconversion unlikely:* Given your negative HIV tests and undetectable viral load, late seroconversion is unlikely.

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I've had a couple of HIV tests after possible exposure. At 3 months, both the 4th gen rapid test and HIV antibody test from the lab came back negative. Then I waited until 5 months and did another 4th gen CMIA test for p24 AG and antibodies, and that was negative too. I'm really anxious about whether these results are conclusive. Do you think I need any more testing, or can I finally relax?

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