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One mistake

I had two separate encounters with an individual. First time was his fingers inserted with lube anally and a dildo with a condom on it. I had also given him a hand job using only my saliva and hand. The next time I hand latex gloves and really didn't plan on anything more than stroking him, with the glove. I think he had wetness on his tip. He was not circumcised so I don't know if the wetness is only precum or what. I probably got it on the glove as I stroked him. So then he proceeded to put on a condom. It didn't occur to me until it was too late. Using the contaminated glove, I had stroked him after he put the condom on. I then gave oral and receptive anal. I am pretty sure it was the same condom for both acts. A little over three weeks later and I am sick and scared to death.

The illness started as a diverticulitis flare up with a low grade fever that subsided. The next week, hay fever intermitent low grade fever with stuffy nose and posted nasal drip. A single mouth ulcer on my tongue that healed quickly. I thought post nasal drip was causing my sore throat. Sore lymph nodes in neck and chest. Periodically have a burning sensation on different areas of my body. Urine dribble, testicle pain and discomfort in the perineum. Fever seems to have subsided but have lingering sinusitis symptoms.

I had a 4th gen rapid Hiv test at 25 days which was negative. Also an oral swab for gonorrhea and clamydia which were negative. An anal swab for the following: Chlamydia trachomatis Negative (Negative)
Mycoplasma GenitaliumNegative (Negative)
Mycoplasma hominisNegative (Negative)
Neisseria gonorrhoeaeNegative (Negative)
Trichomonas vaginalisNegative (Negative)
Ureaplasma parvumNegative (Negative)
Ureaplasma urealyticum

I am worried about the follow-up hiv test.
Am I worrying needlessly? Any thoughts?

  1. Hi . It is understandable that you are nervous, but it is important to keep in mind that it is a good sign that you have negative results for all of these tests. I want to share with you this article from our editorial team on different transmission risks: https://h-i-v.net/transmission-risks. You will note that all of the estimated risks assume HIV exposure occurred during the act. The use of a condom can make quite a difference and you don't actually know if there was any contamination and any fluids on the condom were exposed to the air. Of course, these are only estimates and individual circumstances can make a difference. The only way to be certain is testing, which you have been vigilant about. Hope this information is helpful. Best, Richard (Team Member)

    1. Hi - I had an exposure 10 week ago with exactly the same symptoms as you described here. I have sore throat that I am hoping is caused by post nasal drip. Also, have have unilateral lymphadenopathy on neck. Not prominent. I did a 4th gen hiv test at 6 weeks, 8, weeks, and 66 days. All came back negative. However, these symptoms still persists. I am in the same boat.

      Hi - would you consider a 4th gen test at 66 days conclusive? I am worried sick! I went to see an ID doctor and she insists on 3 months and then 6 months. Any insight would be appreciated!

      Thank you!

      1. hello, I was wondering how things have progressed for you. I am not as far along in testing but symptoms still persists. Anxiety is through the roof for me.

      2. , I hope sees your message and can connect with you again. Manyak, have you had further testing or follow up with a doctor on your symptoms? -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)

    2. Hi - I went to a ID Specialist and they tested for the RNA type 1 test which came negative which helped put me at at ease a bit but given that my exposure to as outside of the US, I am going to get tested with 4th gen test at 12 weeks so, both, type 1 and type 2 antibody test can be accounted for. I still have a persistent lymph node and chronic fatigue. I am hoping my test that was done at 10 weeks won’t change to positive at 12 weeks. I am not sure whether type 2 antibodies take longer to be detectable or not.

      I hope you get a test at 6 weeks! Try to not stress too much as it may make things worse. Also, see if you can get a test to EBV, CMV, and mumps.

      Sending you positive thoughts!

      1. I have persistent lymph node soreness that kicked in as my sinuses mostly stopped draining and have developed significant body pain. The lymph node activity is "not significant" per the doctor. I had another rapid finger prick p24 antigen / antibody test at 38 days. Which was negative. The doctor says it's "a viral" infection. I had some relief for less than 24 hour. My mind won't let me stop worrying. I have never had any illness progress like this. When I had fever, it was low grade, I didnt experience any great fatigue other than the feeling of being sick. I don't know how I am going to make it until the 90 day point as I cannot escape my mind as long as I feel these symptoms. I have no doubt my worrying is exacerbating my pain.

      2. I am really sorry that you are going through this. 38 day rapid test is a great indication. Have you thought of doing a fourth generation lab test or RNA test? I know they cost more but it may help you calm your nerves a bit. Also, some other viral infection definitely seems plausible. I am also going through it, however, I am seeking counsel of an ID specialist. I tested negative on a 4th gen test at 11 weeks (which I think should be conclusive given that I’m not immunocompromised by other illness). However, I have similar symptoms to what you described. Even after receiving negative test, I am unable to trust it; I keep following my symptoms despite the fact that i know hiv is diagnosed based on testing and not symptoms. I have extreme fatigue, losing weight, sore throat, and swollen lymph node on the neck and other unrelated testicle swelling. I think at this point, my suggestion is to see if you can do the additional test listed above. If it helps, my ID specialist believes that antibodies would show up by 28 days in majority of the cases. And you tested past that time, so it certainly helps! But, I would follow the CDC guidelines. I hope you find some way to de-stress and find ways to divert your mind.
        Best!

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