POZ Community Forums
HIV Prevention and Testing => Do I Have HIV? => Topic started by: ZK on April 14, 2021, 09:10:11 am
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So on april 1st I got high and had an unprotected receptive encounter for the first time
I took two prep tablets 2 hours before sex then mistakenly took one 2 hours after as I misread the directions. I then took 1 in each of the following 24 hours after the first initial pill.
Over the last week or so I have been very ill with fever, chills, strange bowel movements, feeling very lethargic, blood in stools.
I know the consensus on here is that symptoms don't mean much. but this link suggests otherwise https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/signs-symptoms-hiv
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Hiya
Nothing you mentioned is HIV specific.
Now, to know your HIV status test with a blood-drawn HIV antibodies test at six weeks post last exposure, a non-reactive result at that time will rarely ever change. If you wish, you can re-test at three months post-incident for peace of mind.
With regards to PrEP, part of a good PrEP routine is testing more frequently for HIV & STI's. So make sure you are testing regularly.
Here's what you need to know to avoid HIV infection:
Use condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, correctly and consistently, every time, no exceptions. Continue to use PrEP as an additional layer of HIV protection.
Keep in mind that some sexual practices which may be described as ‘safe’ in terms of HIV transmission might still pose a risk for transmission of other STI's, so please do get fully tested regularly and at least yearly for all STI's including but not limited to HIV and test more frequently if unprotected intercourse occurs
Also, note that it is possible to have an STI and show no signs or symptoms and the only way of knowing is by testing.
Kind regards
Jim
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Thanks Jim
Can seroconversion happen within 10 days - 2 weeks? a lot of conflicting information out there
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The vast majority of people will develop antibodies at levels that are detectable by about 3-5 weeks post-exposure.
No need to overthink this. Go test as indicated if you wish to know your HIV status.
Nothing you mentioned is HIV specific.
Now, to know your HIV status test with a blood-drawn HIV antibodies test at six weeks post last exposure, a non-reactive result at that time will rarely ever change. If you wish, you can re-test at three months post-incident for peace of mind.
With regards to PrEP, part of a good PrEP routine is testing more frequently for HIV & STI's. So make sure you are testing regularly.