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Uk Sex worker, HIV Testing (PCR RNA) at 18 days post exposure, Symptoms after test.

Hi

A few weeks ago I had protected sex with a UK sex worker, multiple times using different condoms, she also gave me protected oral sex and an unprotected hand job where she used saliva as lubricant.

I understand that this would be considered low risk.

I had been very anxious about this and had been experiencing what I thought were ARS symptoms so at 18 days post exposure I decided to get a HIV Type 1 and Type 2 PCR RNA test at a private UK cinic. This came back a few days later as not detected.

At 22 days post exposure however I broke out in a rash on my stomach, underarms, down by my sides and on my back. It looks almost like heat/sweat rash and I have also came down with severe diarrhea and vomiting, I also feel very weak although I can probably attribute that to the fact I have barely eaten due to the diarhea.

I can tell that this diarhea is not anxiety related, i have been very ill this time and following the not detected result my mind was somewhat at ease, until now. Some friends of friends have had norovirus but I haven't been in close contact with them, my friends could be carriers but I believe that is a low likelihood.

As for the rash my only other option is to believe that the topical antifungal shampoo (Ketoconazole 2%) prescribed by my GP has had a reaction on my body, It does say to use it once every 3 days and I used it every night.

I understand that the PCR test is not conclusive, but at 18 days what are the chances that this could be a false negative, I have heard that it has never produced a false negative result and that its accuracy of 95% at 10 days is low due to its rate of false positives not false negatives.

I am getting tested next week with the 4 Week DUO test as well.

I have googled ARS armpit rash and it looks almost exactly the same as what I have.

I am really hoping that this is just a case of Anxiety weakening my immune system and that I have picked up other bugs more easily than normal.



At 18 days could my viral load have still been at an undetectable level for the PCR RNA test to detect, could I have been in the eclipse period and at 22 days post exposure finally be having symptoms of ARS. If this test is as sensitive as claimed surely it wouldn't miss the infection at 18 days.

Please help, I'm going out of my mind with worry, I feel like I am constantly trying to convince myself that I don't have HIV when the truth is I'm about 99% sure I do, especially based on these new symptoms.

Thanks
1 Responses
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1508374 tn?1380808510
Hello,
Protected sex is SAFE sex.
No need to worry.
Take care.
Helpful - 0
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