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