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Q: PHI symptoms ?
asked by: nolutheon on August 31st, 2008
New User
I had a recent possible HIV exposure orally with an HIV positive partner (very limited oral exposure to a quantity of pre-cum) The partner was on medication and has an undetectable viral load. However, immediately after this potential exposure, I began feeling ill.

I was tested for HIV antibody and HIV RNA (INF AGT-DNA/RNA HIV-1) four days after exposure. Both tests came back negative. As a precaution my Doctor issued orders for antibiotics in case of other STI infections and Hepatitis vaccinations.

Since then, my symptoms have persisted.

I was feeling better day before yesterday, but now I seem to be feeling worse. The lymph nodes or glands under my ear lobes at the corner of my jaw still feel slightly swollen and inflamed, I'm also now experiencing more extensive body aches, particularly along -- I believe -- the lymph node chains. Armpits now hurt, rib cage, and knee joints hurt, but I can see no swelling of any kind except at the joint of my jaw. The pain/achiness doesn't seem to be reducing, but actually getting worse. I continue to have no fever, my phlegm is clear, but the respiratory symptoms persist -- dry throat that doesn't feel entirely sore, but feels as I stated earlier like I was breathing cold air after a run. The lungs feel irritated as well when breathing.

I just want to be abundantly clear, given my potential exposure was oral. An RNA test four and a half days after exposure will still detect HIV virus, if present, correct? (Up to 99% according to what I've read in one paper). In another paper, however, this test is only effective after at least seven days of incubation? (Yes, I'm being a worry wart because of this glandular/lymph thing. But I can't understand what would be causing symptoms that are not getting better, but seemingly worse or at the least staying at a certain level.)

How effective or ineffective is an RNA test at four days? Should I repeat the RNA test now that I'm at 12 days past exposure?

Thank you,
L
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homerx
replied on August 31st, 2008
Moderator
How recent was the risky behavior?Symptoms of HIV takes months and even in many cases years to show up so if you are having symptoms days or weeks after possible exposure it most likely is a different STD.
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nolutheon
replied on September 1st, 2008
New User
Behavior Period
To answer your question, the risky behavior was Friday, August 22.
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unknown88
replied on September 2nd, 2008
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Well let me first start off with saying that your chances of contracting HIV orally are very slim, not impossible, but slim. In order to contract HIV it needs to enter your blood stream, so if you had a cut in your mouth that would be the best way. HIV can also enter the body through your mucous membranes but seeing that HIV cannot live in human saliva your chances are very low. Yes I would suggest getting another test done, if you want another PCR RNA test that is up to you, but this time I suggest getting the Elisa test performed as well. Antibody testing has been proven very effective in the past and shouldn't cost you a thing. If you want to get them both done at the same time that is also up to you, however you must remember getting tested 3 and 6 months after your last possible exposure is very important.
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