1. < Infectious Diseases

HIV Symptoms Beyond Window Period

Posted by brlopez123 @brlopez123, Aug 13, 2022

Hello everyone, if you have tested negative using Elisa blood drawn lab test on week 3, week 4 and week 19 or past the 90 days and are experiencing “HIV Symptoms” (e.g sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, headache, fever or literally any other symptom you can think of), can you rule out HIV and these symptoms are from a cold, flu or other infection? Does one need to retest at 6 months and if so why? In my case, I started a sore throat and nasal congestion 22 weeks post exposure but tested negative 137 post exposure and on day 22 and day 30 as well and wanted to know that testing overrules any symptom you develop post window period and testing negative after window period. Thanks everyone!

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Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Aug 15, 2022

You have done all the recommended tests. You are negative for HIV, so this is any of these symptoms are far more likely to be a transient illness.
Did you take a Covid test? These are some symptoms of the Omicron variants.

Do you have allergies? Most of these are also symptoms of seasonal allergies.

Let's distinguish between cold symptoms and a potential HIV infection. Cold symptoms will change quickly, over 3-5 days, with mucus getting thicker, a cough starting, and a run down feeling as it attacks your system, then go away in 7-10 days, possibly leaving just a cough. HIV symptoms will linger much longer, gradually becoming more severe over time.

As for the need or advisability of being tested at 6 months after repeated negative tests, no, not necessary or helpful. That old 6 month standard was used because the tests were not as accurate or sensitive as the current test. Here are the most current CDC guidelines:
https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-testing/hiv-window-period.html
Now it is time to relax, let go, and promise yourself never again to do whatever caused you to need testing this time. If you cannot let go of your anxiety, please talk to a local HIV clinic or to a health provider about how to handle it.

REPLY
1 reply
brlopez123 | @brlopez123 | Aug 17, 2022
In reply to @sueinmn "You have done all the recommended tests. You are negative for HIV, so this is any..." + (show)
@sueinmn

You have done all the recommended tests. You are negative for HIV, so this is any of these symptoms are far more likely to be a transient illness.
Did you take a Covid test? These are some symptoms of the Omicron variants.

Do you have allergies? Most of these are also symptoms of seasonal allergies.

Let's distinguish between cold symptoms and a potential HIV infection. Cold symptoms will change quickly, over 3-5 days, with mucus getting thicker, a cough starting, and a run down feeling as it attacks your system, then go away in 7-10 days, possibly leaving just a cough. HIV symptoms will linger much longer, gradually becoming more severe over time.

As for the need or advisability of being tested at 6 months after repeated negative tests, no, not necessary or helpful. That old 6 month standard was used because the tests were not as accurate or sensitive as the current test. Here are the most current CDC guidelines:
https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-testing/hiv-window-period.html
Now it is time to relax, let go, and promise yourself never again to do whatever caused you to need testing this time. If you cannot let go of your anxiety, please talk to a local HIV clinic or to a health provider about how to handle it.

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Hello, I tested negative for COVID as well and allergies I am not aware of. My sore throat had gotten better. No mucus, not sneezing, no cough. It seems my symptoms are slowly gradually leaving my body. I will do my best to trust my results. Thank you for your advice.

REPLY
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