Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date. Dear Doc,
First of all sorry for my poor english. Let me introduce my story in a few words....
I'm 26 [year old] male. 17 weeks ago I had protected sex with a high risk person.
The 10 weeks after the possible infection, I got low fever (37,0-37,4 C)
and I still have. 10-11th week I had night sweat, and furred tongue.
From the 14th week ago I feel swollen lymph nodes (neck and groin),
but I'm checking 30 times a day. I was tested on 10, 14, 16 weeks after
the possibility. All became negative.
My questions:
Should I do another test?
Can I cause this symptoms due to extreme stress?
Is it possible that I still have this low fever nearly 8 weeks ago, and no
detectable antibody developed?
What is the rate to take more than 16 weeks to develop antibody?
Mark H. Katz, M.D.
Regional HIV/AIDS Physician Coordinator
Kaiser Permanente of Southern California
Hello! More than 99% of persons newly infected will have developed antibodies, and thus have a positive test, at 12 weeks after an exposure. Thus, even though your symptoms sound like "something" is going on, there is a very good chance this is not HIV. You also wrote that the sex was protected, and while you mention the person is "high-risk," I assume you do not know for sure if this person is even HIV-positive him/herself. However, if you have any question, another test at 4 or 6 months can be done. In the meantime, I would suggest you work with your doctor to find another cause of the swollen lymph nodes, including some conditions which are sexually transmitted infections (as well as many which are not).
Good luck, and continue to play safely!
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, Elton John AIDS Foundation, John M. Lloyd Foundation, Roche and Trimeris, the National Library of Medicine, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2004. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2004. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.