Dear Team
I have a Question about my HIV Tests I did by now.
After a high risk (unprotected anal sex given at the Philippines) I have done following Tests: At 5 weeks an Eclia 4th Generation, at 8 weeks a rapid Test 3rd Generation, at 12 weeks an Eclia 4th Generation and a rapid Test 3rd Generation,at 13 weeks a rapid 3rd Generation, at 14 weeks an Eclia 4th Generation, at 16 weeks and 4 days an rapid 3rd Generation Test...all negative! I have had 3 weeks after my risk all HIV symptomes like fever and and and. My temperature at week 5 was giong down to 37,7 in the evening till the end of week 17 and then after if got sk in rush to 36.9!
At week 13 if had unprotected oral sex with my wife and appr. 3 weeks later she got symptomes is well.
My Qestiont it, can I take my Tests as conclusive or do I need at Test at 6 months again? Did you ever hear that a Test at 16 weeks negative turned later on to positive?
Thanks and regards
Dirk
Hi Dirk,
Thank you for using the AIDS Vancouver Helpline as your source for HIV/AIDS related information. It sounds like you've been a little worried and I hope the following information will help put your mind at ease.
Getting an HIV test is the only real way to know whether or not you have HIV so it is great to hear that you have had regular HIV tests! After 12 weeks post-exposure to the last potential risk the Rapid Test, 3rd Generation EIA, and 4th Generation tests are 99.6%, 99.8%, and 99.9% accurate respectively. Given your 5 negative results after the 12 weeks you can be absolutely confident in your results. There is no need to re-test for any possible exposures that occurred more than 12 weeks ago.
In regards to your symptoms, while many people experience strong flu-like symptoms, HIV symptoms mirror other viral infections. Getting tested is the only way to know your status, which you did, and it confirmed that you are negative. If you continue to experience on-going symptoms, it may be a good idea to work with a medical professional to determine the cause of these illnesses/symptoms. If you would like to read a little bit more about HIV symptoms, please check out this link: http://www.aidsvancouver.org/get-informed/faq/what-are-symptoms-hiv-infe...
If you would like any additional information please let us know. Or if you would like to call us and speak to someone at the Helpline, you can do so anonymously and confidentially by calling 604-696-4666, Monday to Friday between 9am-4pm.
Cheers,
Cameron
AIDS Vancouver Helpline Volunteer
E-mail: helpline@aidsvancouver.org
Phone (Mon-Fri 9-4pm): (604) 696-4666
Web: www.aidsvancouver.org/helpline
Comments
After you Answere I could
After you Answere I could relax a bit more!
Anyway I have tested again at 18.5 weeks with a rapid test and at 19.5 weeks with a LIA Antiboday. I dont know how sensitive the LIA test is but it was negative again. I still have some Symptomes it is a coming and going. Is it possible that my body did not produce Andibodys after 4.5 months and do you know the sensitivety of the LIA test.
Thank and BR from Germany / China
Hello there,
I'm glad to hear that you feel somewhat relieved.
As Cameron has explained, looking at symptoms is not the way to (self) diagnose HIV infection & it's great to hear that you got tested.
For most people, the window period for antibodies to produce is 4-12 weeks (3 months), with up to 95% of infections being detectable. Your test results are accurate, reliable and a conclusive reflection of your HIV status.
The only reasons to re-test at 6 months would be:
· You are diagnosed with an immunodeficiency disorder
· You are currently undergoing HCV treatment or were at the time you were tested
· You took PEP
· Due to your particular health conditions, a medical professional has advised you of the need to re-test at 6 months
If none of the above apply to you and you have not recently engaged in any high risk activities (ex. Sharing needles or unprotected anal/vaginal sex), then no further test is necessary.
Please try to ease your anxiety and hopefully you can find the trust in the result.
Let us know if you have other concerns.
Stay healthy and keep smiling
Yoshiko
AIDS Vancouver Helpline Volunteer
E-mail: helpline@aidsvancouver.org
Phone (Mon-Fri 9-4pm): (604) 696-4666
Web: www.aidsvancouver.org/helpline
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