ARS/PCR/Antibody Test

[whyohwhy602]

Okay i have a question regarding ARS symptoms and the PCR/Antibody testing.  Dr. Hook recently answered a question for me...which I am grateful for....but I had one more question but he said his last response was final.

My exposure risk was unprotected vaginally sex with a male friend of mine.

My symptoms are as follows:

5 days post exposure developed stiff neck....which 2.5 weeks later is still stiff.

1 week post exposure developed a weird spot and white coating on my tongue which my doctor assured me wasn't thrush.  Also developed what I thought was a rash on my chest right below my neck....which my doctor said wasn't a rash...it is still there.  My doctor believes its nothing more then a slight breakout.

3 weeks post exposure developed a mouth ulcer....which i read was a strong indicator for HIV

Does this sound like ARS?  Do ARS symptoms apart like that or typically all together?

I have had no fever, no swollen lymph nodes...my doctor checks my neck and armpits for this daily for me and I would like to think I would know if i had them in my vaginally region.

Also, Dr. Hook told me the Jefferson County STD clinic did both antibodies and PCR testing.  I did call them to find out if it was PCR DNA or RNA and the nurse didn't know but said they always run these test together.  But I have read there are a lot of false positives with PCR test is this true?

Would I just be better off waiting 12 weeks for the routine antibody test?

Sorry i was so long.  I am just every concerned my stupid mistake has lead to HIV infection.  I truly just feel like I have this disease now.  Any insight would be greatly appreciated.....more then you know.

[whyohwhy602]

Thank you for your kind response I don't know of anywhere in alabama that offers the p24 combo test but I will see what I can find out.  Thank you so much.

[RainLover71]

The symptoms your are experiencing are NOT classic ARS symptoms to begin with and you should take the p24combo test at 4 weeks it provides an excellent and accurate result which of course needs to be followed up by an antibody test at 3 months for a 100% conclusive and reliable result.Remember that MOST people don,t have hiv so don,t assume the worst.All the best.

[whyohwhy602]

Thank you for your response.  I am really just worried about the false positive rate which I didn't get to ask him.  

I appreciate you taking the time to read and answer my post.  God bless you!

[LIZZIE LOU]

just read your post on the expert forum and dr hook gave you excellent advice...you should listen to him ! ! !

NO...it does NOT sound like ars.