Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
12743456 tn?1429590914

HIV Negative but even more restless

Hi

I will dive straight into my question and try to keep it short.
I had an exposure 6 weeks ago now with a bar girl in Asia.
Her HIV status was unknown and we had unprotected vaginal sex.

Got tested on the 38th day Mark with the following:
Rapid antibody test (even though the window is 3 months I wanted to start with this test just to at least give me the slightest peace of mind. RESULT: negative

Combo p24/antibody test. RESULT: negative

Even with these good results with the combo in the correct window I'm feeling even more worried now.

I had a slight rash that could hardly be seen on top of my back (can't remember if was before or after exposure).
But now it has become more visible. (Individual random red spots around top of back. Generating heat and have not joined into one big rash. They resemble heat rash what I've had before and I live in tropical climate. Maybe I'm clinging onto this fact and hoping).

Had Diarrhoea for 10 days. This happened 2/3 weeks after taking antibiotics which Dr said was the cause but still, it would fall into the time frame with the exposure and possible rash.

Then, after being weekend by the diarrhoea i caught a cold with sore throat and stuffy nose. I work around a lot of people and I'm quite prone to getting colds but all these things seem to coincidental, hence why I'm feeling even worse now.

I've had no serious fever or problems with lymphnodes but I'm feeling really down and can't stop worrying. It's effecting me and perhaps making me more sick.

I'm not scared to stand up to my stupid mistake and continue with my life, but I'm due to get married soon and if I'm HIV positive I will be deported and everything will be a huge mess. I have had no sexual contact since and I guess I deserve this for my mistake. I will retest at 2 and 3 then 6 months but the wait will haunt me.


I have read through many other questions like mine but I guess I'm just looking for some helpful words or perhaps reassurance. Many really helpful advice on here and I appreciate the time anyone takes to answer.

My question; is there a chance my p24 levels were too low to detect and also not enough antibodies made to detect at Day 38/39 of exposure.

If I was secoconverting wouldn't that mean antibodies were already in my system?

I'm in a real mess here psychologically, any words will be helpful.
Thank you.
45 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
12563078 tn?1427508556
hospitals are mostly conservative additionally you never had the risk to begin with sunny.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Can some one say , here 4 th generation DUO is not available , we have 4th generation j.mitra , 4th generation QUALISA.

Any 4 th generation test is conclusive after 28 days right?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Even sunny had risk or not ....
All i need to know is p24 ag and ab tests are conclusive at 28 days ?!
Are tests at india at par with cdc norms ???
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
3rd gen includes antibodies only and the diff in 3rd gen and 4th gen is p24 antigen.... So u mean to say this p24 antigen lowers the window period by 2 monthsss ???
Can u share the logic ???
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
None of the tests manufacturers say that there tests are conclusive before 3 months..,,, i have never heard it... Whats the insight... I really want to know.... I am also sailing in the same boat with sunny and many others...
Helpful - 0
12563078 tn?1427508556
P24 antigen appears around 10 days after infection. it is a core viral protein that appears due to rapid multiplication of the virus. if you have the virus the protein must be present. but if you are all driven by anxiety you do not care whatever i say. i am in the same boat as i had unsafe vaginal with a sex worker. if it had been protected i would have been having fun somewhere else.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the HIV Prevention Community

Top HIV Answerers
366749 tn?1544695265
Karachi, Pakistan
370181 tn?1595629445
Arlington, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from surfaces, like toilet seats?
Can you get HIV from casual contact, like hugging?
Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.