Brief Answer:
HIV testing

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mr. XXXXXXX
Welcome to Health care magic.
I have gone through your query and I want to elaborate more on HIV testing.

HIV testing is done to rule out infection after possible exposure to HIV infected individual.
Most common tests done are detection tests for antibodies against HIV 1 and 2 types.
Antibodies against HIV are produced in the body after 2-8 weeks after infection and they become detectable after 3-12 weeks (21 days to 3 months).
So the best time to do these tests is after at least 3 weeks after exposure.

For earlier detection, results.

However, if you are still in doubt, the tests best done at 28th day of exposure is ELISA third generation or fourth generation tests to detect antigens and antibodies against HIV 1 and 2.

I also suggest a detailed examination to rule out other causes for the symptoms you are having.
I suggest you get in touch with a general physician and discuss the symptoms in detail.
Your rash also has to be examined to rule out any allergic reactions.

I hope I have answered your query satisfactorily.

Thanks.

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Brief Answer:
Eosinophil count

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mr. XXXXXXX
Welcome back.
Please relax !!
Try to assimilate the information the doctors and reports are telling you.
You have undergone a HIV RNA test and blood test 20 days back.
HIV RNA test - negative
Blood test - eosinophils - 8% (Normal range is 1-4%)
It is slightly elevated.

Eosinophils are a type of white blood cells which become active during allergies or any infection.
This does not confirm any diagnosis but can indicate an allergy or infection usually parasitic infections.

I hope I have cleared your doubts regarding eosinophil count.

I suggest you get your rash examined by a skin specialist and get appropriate therapy.

Thanks.

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Brief Answer:
HIV testing results and Antiretroviral therapy

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mr. XXXXXXX
Welcome back.
I understand your worry and concern regarding HIV exposure.

Please do not get mislead by information given on the net as many sites do not explain in detail about AIDS.

Let me tell you that HIV is the most discussed subject since its discovery in 1981.
There is so much information on HIV and AIDS that this could cause confusion in readers and triggers their imagination about many symptoms they are reading about.

You have to trust your doctor here.
When are you expecting the results of the tests you have mentioned in your query??
I suggest you wait for the results and then decide whether you require Anti retroviral therapy or not.

Coming to ART, there are many drugs available which will help in suppressing the virus replication and reduce the disease caused by HIV.

There are many ART centers available which will provide counseling and guidance regarding ART and follow up after starting treatment.

I suggest you get in touch with an ART center nearby your place and get advice only after the test results have come.

I hope I have answered your query satisfactorily.

Thanks.

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Brief Answer:
Please wait for results, GP consult

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mr. XXXXXXX
I would suggest you wait for your results as they are only 24 hours away.
I also would suggest you get in touch with a GP nearby you and get your blood pressure(BP) examined as you seem to be experiencing fainting spells.

You do not have to disclose your HIV status until it is confirmed.

I still would stand by my previous answer to wait for results and then think of any therapy.

thanks

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Brief Answer:
Western blot is one of the confirmatory tests

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mr. XXXXXXX
Western blot is one of the confirmatory tests done for both HIV 1 and 2.
It is a highly specific test and detects antibodies against different proteins present on the HIV virus.

For example, p24 is core protein of HIV.
gp 120, 160, 41 are envelope glycoproteins present on the envelope of HIV.

This test becomes positive by 3 weeks if HIV infection has occurred.

It is reported as positive if presence of at least two envelope bands (gp120, gp160, gp41) is detected.

So, you are definitely HIV negative.

HIV 1 is the commonest type of HIV found worldwide and in India than HIV 2.
HIV 2 is common in African countries.

I hope your anxiety regarding HIV status has reduced.

You do not need to start any ART(antiretroviral therapy).

Thanks.

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Brief Answer:
Increased stress can cause low immunity

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mr. XXXXXXX
Welcome back.

Increased stress levels can cause low immunity in few people and this makes them susceptible to opportunistic infections.
I am suspecting increased stress and anxiety as the culprit in your case.

Let us discuss your symptoms and rule out causes:
1.Gingivitis - red gums.
This usually happens when proper oral hygiene is not maintained. Also seen in high stress levels.
This leads to bacteria in the mouth to grow and cause inflammation of the gums (Periodontitis)
Get in touch with a dentist and get them examined to see if you need any antibiotics to reduce infection.
Use a smooth bristles tooth brush and brush your teeth twice a day.
Gentle massaging of the gums will also help.

2. Oral thrush - candidiasis.
This is an opportunistic infection which can be caused by yeast like fungi present in the mouth (Candida)
This can occur when there is fall in the immunity of the person due to increased stress levels, Vitamin B deficiency, any long illness, diabetes etc.
I would suggest you take B complex capsules thrice a day for a week.
Local application of oral analgesic gel over the ulcers will reduce the pain.

3. Muscle pains, joint pains and fever.
These symptoms suggest any common viral fever where there is severe body pain and such fevers are usually self limiting. Over the counter fever medications will suffice to control the fever.
Rest and healthy diet is the best treatment for viral fevers.

4. Weight loss - Is it significant?
Significant weight loss is defined as weight loss more than 5% of your body weight within 30 days.

I have tried to simplify and explain your symptoms as much as possible.

I hope this helps.

Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Thanks.

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Brief Answer:
NEGATIVE BY ELISA AND WESTERN BLOT

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mr. XXXXXXX
YOU ARE HIV NEGATIVE BY ELISA AND WESTERN BLOT.

In ELISA, every brand has a cut off value which is taken as a point beyond which it is considered positive.

The ELISA you have undergone the cut off value is more than 1.00.

Your reading says 0.51, so it is definitely negative.

Thanks.

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Brief Answer:
HIV Negative Status

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mr. XXXXXXX
You are HIV negative.
Hepatitis B negative.
Hepatitis C negative.

Wishing you good health and good life ahead.

Thanks.

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