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Is A HIV Rapid Antibody Test At 5 Weeks Conclusive?
Question: Hi
Like many people who ignore the warnings of reading online non-stop, I have recently been tested with the 4th gen combo test and also an individual rapid antibody test at 5.4 weeks.
Although both results were negative, I'm still worried about the number of symptoms I showed and still showing and for the fact that my girlfriend is now showing similar symptoms.
I have a slight rash on my back that is nearly noticeable but seems to come and go. I had diarrhea for 10 days after 4th week of exposure and had flu symptoms which my partner then got a few days after.
No night sweats or bad fever. No lymphnodes swelling.
2 weeks after exposure I took a antibiotic pill for chlamydia (caught from same said exposure) and I was trying to convince myself the diarrhea was from the side effects and then the flu was because my immune system was weak from it with good bacteria being taken away.
Even now I tested negative, my girlfriend has sore throat and flu symptoms and I'm still so worried.
I'm worried now that at 5.4 weeks the test some how missed detection when p24 had gone and antibodies had not been created yet. Is there such a thing or are antibodies a result of p24 becoming undetectable.
Thank you for your time with my specific case.
- possible exposure was unprotected vaginal sex with a bar girl and hiv status was unknown.
Like many people who ignore the warnings of reading online non-stop, I have recently been tested with the 4th gen combo test and also an individual rapid antibody test at 5.4 weeks.
Although both results were negative, I'm still worried about the number of symptoms I showed and still showing and for the fact that my girlfriend is now showing similar symptoms.
I have a slight rash on my back that is nearly noticeable but seems to come and go. I had diarrhea for 10 days after 4th week of exposure and had flu symptoms which my partner then got a few days after.
No night sweats or bad fever. No lymphnodes swelling.
2 weeks after exposure I took a antibiotic pill for chlamydia (caught from same said exposure) and I was trying to convince myself the diarrhea was from the side effects and then the flu was because my immune system was weak from it with good bacteria being taken away.
Even now I tested negative, my girlfriend has sore throat and flu symptoms and I'm still so worried.
I'm worried now that at 5.4 weeks the test some how missed detection when p24 had gone and antibodies had not been created yet. Is there such a thing or are antibodies a result of p24 becoming undetectable.
Thank you for your time with my specific case.
- possible exposure was unprotected vaginal sex with a bar girl and hiv status was unknown.
Brief Answer:
HIV risk
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns
You are concerned about possibly contracting HIV from unprotected intercourse. You have already had 2 tests to possibly detect HIV. You have some mild symptoms of a viral illness but the symptoms are not specific enough to be HIV.
To be sure that you don't have HIV you will need to repeat your HIV testing again at 3 and 6 months. your body may need up to 6 months before detectable levels of antibodies are produced. That is the best way to determine if you have HIV. You will just have to wait the full six months before you know for sure.
The next question is the diarrhea. The diarrhea more than likely is due to the antibiotic you took for chlamydia. As with any antibiotic the medicine kills bacteria including the good bacteria in your GI tract. To help restore your GI tract bacteria counts I usually recommend taking a probiotic. This can be purchased at any pharmacy and may take several days to reset your GI tract.
In summary
1. HIV antibodies my take up to 6 months to be detectable
2. Repeat your HIV testing at 3 and 6 months
3. Take Probiotics to help restore GI tract and reduce diarrhea
4. In the future use condoms at all times
I hope this answers your question. Please contact HCM again with your health care concerns and questions
HIV risk
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns
You are concerned about possibly contracting HIV from unprotected intercourse. You have already had 2 tests to possibly detect HIV. You have some mild symptoms of a viral illness but the symptoms are not specific enough to be HIV.
To be sure that you don't have HIV you will need to repeat your HIV testing again at 3 and 6 months. your body may need up to 6 months before detectable levels of antibodies are produced. That is the best way to determine if you have HIV. You will just have to wait the full six months before you know for sure.
The next question is the diarrhea. The diarrhea more than likely is due to the antibiotic you took for chlamydia. As with any antibiotic the medicine kills bacteria including the good bacteria in your GI tract. To help restore your GI tract bacteria counts I usually recommend taking a probiotic. This can be purchased at any pharmacy and may take several days to reset your GI tract.
In summary
1. HIV antibodies my take up to 6 months to be detectable
2. Repeat your HIV testing at 3 and 6 months
3. Take Probiotics to help restore GI tract and reduce diarrhea
4. In the future use condoms at all times
I hope this answers your question. Please contact HCM again with your health care concerns and questions
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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