Anxious about exposure
About 4 weeks ago, exactly 26 days today, I had a nearly protected sex with a female. Nearly protected because, towards the end of the activity, I did not notice the condom was off. I only noticed when I pulled off. She said she did felt it was off, but did not want to say anything because of the “moment”. The condom was inside her and it took a minute to get it out.
Last week, I started feeling anxious as I developed sore throat. It first started with a dry throat, then sore throat. It stopped after two days, but later came back after 3 days. I have relatively low to mild headache and a little bit weak. The sore throat was first on the left part of my tonsils, now it is on the right as at this morning. No more sore on the left. I have asked the lady if she has any infection, and she told me did not have any. However, I can’t trust her response, forgive me for being suspicious.
I am seriously anxious, as I have read quite a bit about HIV and, of the early symptoms are sore throat and fatigue. Is it advisable to do Biosure test now? I know one cannot diagnose HIV from symptoms but, from my account, are these symptoms enough for high possibility of exposure or infected by HIV?
I seriously feel so tired from being anxious 🙁
Becky BioSure UK Limited
Work on 05th August 2021
Hi Tiami,
Yes I believe that your negative result at 28 days with a 4th generation test is conclusive, meaning you do not need to retest however I would advise that you query this with the lab that provided the test as they will be able to confirm this properly for you. Kindest regards, Becky
tiami
Used on 30th July 2021
Ok, I just checked my result online. The 4th generation test turned up Negative!
I also did another Biosure this morning (36 days), it turned out negative.
Damn! All the anxiety for nothing! Lots of man-hour and productive hours lost, all because of anxiety. Googling symptoms contributed to my worries. Never Google symptoms, never!
My question is, is the result conclusive since this is a 4th generation test after 28 days?
tiami
Used on 29th July 2021
I couldn't get the test on Saturday, as they were not opened. So I opted for the home delivery sample collection option. I have now sent my sample to the laboratory, and I am awaiting the result. I am so anxious of what the outcome would be. BTW, I tested with Biosure again and it came out negative. They said it would take about 1-2 working days to get the result.
Becky, BioSure UK Ltd
Work on 23rd July 2021
Hi tiami,
That's great to hear. Have a lovely weekend.
Kindest regards, Becky
tiami
Used on 23rd July 2021
Hi Becky,
Thank you for your response. I got biosure delivered this morning. Today being the 28th day, I ran the test. It is negative.
I have now booked a 4th generation test for tomorrow. I hope it will also turn out negative.
Anyways whatever the outcome I will update it here.
Becky, BioSure UK Ltd
Work on 23rd July 2021
Hi tiami,
The symptoms you have described would be classed as mild symptoms of HIV. Most commonly, these symptoms would likely be accompanied by other flu-like symptoms. However, it is great that you are aware of your sexual health. Since the condom came off during sex, there is a transmission risk but this is not to say that any transmission occurred. A negative BioSure test at 4 weeks is a good indication of your status but a negative result is not conclusive until 12 weeks post-exposure. Therefore, I would suggest that if you are unsure/anxious about your HIV status and cannot wait for another 8 weeks or so, to get a 4th generation test done at a clinic just so you are able to know your status sooner.
I hope this helps, if you have any other questions please feel free to leave them below. All the best, Becky