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What Is The Window Period For Syphilis And Hepatitis Post Exposure?

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Posted on Wed, 21 Jan 2015
Question: Dear Dr
I hope all is well. I have put my self in risk of STI it has been a mont since my risk. I have tested 2 HIV PCR on day 11 and day 18 which came out negative. I also tested HIV duo antibody antigen on day 26 day 28 and day 31 which all came out negative however i have caught a flue and feel tired and cold. Do you think that all these negative tests are enough as the nurse in the clinic told me that these tests are accurate but i am still worried as i have sweated excessively las night i do not know if it is caused from ibrofen. Also i would like to know what is the window period for syphilis and hepatitis .
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Screening tests for Hepatitis and Syphilis to be done at 3 and 6 months

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
Though you have tested negative for HIV 1 & 2 and antigen, it is essential to follow standard protocols for HIV screening as laid down by guidelines.

Besides HIV, there can be other conditions causing flu. It would be helpful to consult a medical specialist and get specific tests done after complete clinical examination if your symptoms are still persisting.

The HIV antibodies usually appear after 3 to 8 weeks following infection. However the tests, if negative, should be repeated at 3 months and 6 months. This is because in some people antibodies take up to 6 months to develop after HIV infection.

In your case it appears that you might have got the usual flu due to weather changes and not any illness related to HIV.

Getting tested for STDs like Syphilis is recommended as soon as 2 to 3 weeks after the exposure or sooner if you have symptoms and it is recommended that it are retested again at least three to six months later to confirm negative results.

Hepatitis B might be tested after 3 months and repeated again at the end of 6 months.

Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (8 minutes later)
Hello Dr
I am planning to test a duo in week 6 and 8 as Specialists say that they have never seen a week 6 test change. As Uk guide lines are three months for a court generation test. Do u thin i should do these tests or just wait for the three months.
FYI the test are duo they test for antibodies and antigen.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (9 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Please wait for 3 months and 6 months tests

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

I suggest that you please get the 3 months and 6 months tests done. This will be more confirmatory and useful to you. Doing 6 and 8 weeks tests will still require the 3 months test results.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (2 days later)
Hello Dr i will upload you a few pictures can you tell me if they look lil rashes or pimples due to ingrown hair . or from lack of sleep also around my is red i will upload a pic
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (15 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Looking like little rashes

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

I have seen the uploaded pictures and most likely it is little rashes, probably due to skin irritation following shaving in the area. It is not looking like ingrown hair. Please apply some antiseptic creams and observe. Do not try to scratch the rashes.

The last picture of the eyelid is not too clear. Request for a more clear picture please.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (31 minutes later)
Does this look like a hiv rash? the shaving has happened 2- 3 weeks a go and now i can se 2-3 spots on my chess however they just shoow in the shaved area thats why I'm in doubt
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Its early to develop HIV related rashes if your test results are negative

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

Regarding earliest symptoms of HIV, medical literature days the following
"Within 2-4 weeks after HIV infection, many, but not all, people experience flu-like symptoms, often described as the “worst flu ever.” This is called “acute retroviral syndrome” (ARS) or “primary HIV infection,” and it’s the body’s natural response to the HIV infection."

Other than the above, no specific clinical signs are seen in the early stages. HIV does not cause a rash by itself but can cause conditions that involve eruption of rashes. If you have tested HIV negative on all tests till date then you do not have any rashes due to conditions in associations with HIV.

I have sent a note to customer care to help you with the maximum number of questions you can ask. Most likely they should contact you soon. If the response is delayed then please write in to YYYY@YYYY to know the maximum questions each user can ask per month on an unlimited subscription.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Vivek Chail

Radiologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 6873 Questions

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What Is The Window Period For Syphilis And Hepatitis Post Exposure?

Brief Answer: Screening tests for Hepatitis and Syphilis to be done at 3 and 6 months Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXX, Thanks for writing in to us. I have read through your query in detail. Though you have tested negative for HIV 1 & 2 and antigen, it is essential to follow standard protocols for HIV screening as laid down by guidelines. Besides HIV, there can be other conditions causing flu. It would be helpful to consult a medical specialist and get specific tests done after complete clinical examination if your symptoms are still persisting. The HIV antibodies usually appear after 3 to 8 weeks following infection. However the tests, if negative, should be repeated at 3 months and 6 months. This is because in some people antibodies take up to 6 months to develop after HIV infection. In your case it appears that you might have got the usual flu due to weather changes and not any illness related to HIV. Getting tested for STDs like Syphilis is recommended as soon as 2 to 3 weeks after the exposure or sooner if you have symptoms and it is recommended that it are retested again at least three to six months later to confirm negative results. Hepatitis B might be tested after 3 months and repeated again at the end of 6 months. Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements. Hope your query is answered. Do write back if you have any doubts. Regards, Dr.Vivek