Concerns About HIV Testing and Symptoms: What You Need to Know

Inquiry about concerns regarding HIV/AIDS?

I started staying up late in 2018, often sleeping after 3 AM.
From late February to the end of April 2018, I had unprotected sexual intercourse.
Starting in August, I experienced a sore throat, tongue ulcers, and blood in my sputum.
I took an anonymous rapid test on August 8, which was negative, but on August 10, I developed extensive folliculitis on my chest, swollen lymph nodes in my neck, and dizziness.
Should I get tested again? Also, I noticed that the rapid test personnel were reusing their gloves; is this a concern?

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/08/11

Dr. Ye Qianyu reply Family Medicine

Hello! Based on your description, for your health's sake, it is recommended that you visit an infectious disease specialist as soon as possible! Thank you for your inquiry, and I wish you a speedy recovery!

Reply Date: 2018/08/11

More Info

When it comes to concerns about HIV testing and symptoms, it's essential to understand the nature of HIV, the testing process, and the implications of your symptoms. Based on your timeline and symptoms, let's break down your situation.

Firstly, you mentioned having unprotected sexual encounters between late February and April 2018. The window period for HIV tests is crucial here. After potential exposure to HIV, it typically takes about 2 to 12 weeks for the body to produce detectable antibodies or antigens. This period is known as the "window period." Most standard HIV tests, including rapid tests, are reliable after 84 days (approximately 12 weeks). Since you tested negative on August 8, which is well beyond the window period, it is a strong indicator that you are not infected with HIV.

However, you reported experiencing symptoms such as throat pain, blood-tinged phlegm, folliculitis on your chest, swollen lymph nodes in your neck, and dizziness shortly after your negative test. These symptoms can be concerning, but they are not specific to HIV. Many conditions, including viral infections, bacterial infections, or even stress-related issues, can cause similar symptoms.
Regarding your question about whether you should retest for HIV, if your August test was negative and you have not engaged in any further high-risk behaviors since then, the likelihood of being infected is low. However, if you are experiencing ongoing symptoms that are concerning you, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider. They can perform a thorough evaluation, possibly including additional tests to rule out other infections or conditions.

As for your concern about the rapid test personnel using reusable gloves, this is a valid concern. In medical settings, gloves should be single-use to prevent cross-contamination and the transmission of infections. If you feel that proper hygiene protocols were not followed during your testing, it is reasonable to express your concerns to the testing facility. However, the risk of HIV transmission through gloves is generally low, especially if the gloves were intact and not contaminated with blood or other bodily fluids.

In summary, based on your negative HIV test and the timeline of your symptoms, it is unlikely that you are HIV-positive. However, if your symptoms persist or worsen, seeking medical advice is crucial. A healthcare provider can help determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment or further testing if necessary. Regular check-ups and open communication with healthcare professionals are vital in managing your health and addressing any concerns you may have.

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