Please read my reply again. It says that your 8 week results can be counted on. You do not need repeat testing.
Yes, the HIV rapid tests used in Canada are the same as those used in the U.S. and can be relied upon. EWH
Sounds like you may have made a decision you feel bad about. Sorry to hear that. At the same time, I can tell you that you do not have HIV and really have nothing to worry about. Here is why.
1. You used a condoms. If it covered the head of your penis when you were done, it did not break. When condoms break they tear wide open and it is obvious that they are broken. In addition, condoms work.
2. You have appear to have missed our repeated statements that the symptoms of the ARS are TOTALLY non-specific and when people experience "ARS symptoms" they are much more likely to have something else, usually some other, more typical virus infection. When this has been studied in the US, less than 1% of persons seeking medical care for "ARS symptoms" are found to have HIV, the remainder having symptoms due to other processes. In contrast, over a given year, there is almost no one who has not had a viral illness, night sweats or both (sometimes on multiple occasions). In addition, it is also important to realize that many persons who acquire HIV do not experience the ARS. For a person to try to judge their HIV risk based on "ARS symptoms" is a waste of time. Thus while your cold symptoms are indeed part of what is described for the ARS, given your situation, what you have is a cold, not ARS.
Having taken medicine for your cold would not be expected to slow your antibody production, had you gotten HIV (you did not!). When you get the HIV test at 8 weeks, please realize that the major reason that you are getting it is for your own piece of mind and when the result is negative, you will know, as I do now, that you do not have HIV. EWH
Thanks for your answers, Dr.
Thank you very much, Dr.! Your answer makes me feel better.
A couple of more questions (maybe very silly):
If I get a negative test result at 8 week, do I need to take another test at 12 week?
Is the rapid HIV test used in Canada reliable? Should I ask for two tests at the same time?