HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Is Sore Throat And Fever Symptom Of HIV?

Posted on Mon, 7 Apr 2014

Question: I had a possible exposure to HIV from a female sex worker through fingering vagina with an abrased finger 45 days ago. I consulted doctor who put me on PEP Virotrenz which i started taking 24 hours after exposure. Also performed a baseline test using ELISA method (fully automated chemiluminescence system) which came out negative. I didnot miss a dose of the PEP for the whole 30 day period. today 45 days after exposure , and 15 days after i stopped taking PEP i had a another test done by the same method which also came out negative. I didnot experience any noticible symptoms for the past 45 days except that since yesterday i have an itchy throat. What is my risk situation now? Could the PEP have increased the window period and caused a false negative result? can any symptoms like soar throat appear even before the tests can yield conclusive results?

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer: PEP does not affect window period Detailed Answer: Hi Welcome to Healthcare-Magic Greetings of the day Dear XXXX I would like to reassure you first that there is no cause for concern. As the sex worker is suspected to have HIV infection, the probablity she has HIV is 50%. Even though you had significant exposure by exposure of your abraded finger with Vaginal Secretion. The reassuring thing is PEP was started within 24 hours, sooner PEP is initiated more the efficacy of it preventing HIV infection. As your baseline HIV is negative and also 45 days post exposure is negative, its very much reassuring. PEP DOES NOT AFFECT the window period. Window period ideally ranges between 2 to 3 months. Would suggest you to repeat ELISA after 3 months following exposure. PEP also does not cause false negative. Sore throat and fever are non specific prodromal symptoms and can also occur after regular upper respiratory tract infection. Much weightage cannot be given to these symptoms. Be relaxed. Do get back to me if you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you. Take Care Best Regards Dr Deepak Kishore MBBS,MS,MCH Consultant Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (15 hours later)

thank you doctor for answering my query. I have just one more question. my test results are as folllows HIV1 & 11 antibodies/antigen - Non Reactive Method - By fully automated chemiluminescence system Does this mean both anitbody and antigen have been tested separately? if so is the antigen test also as reliable ?

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (3 hours later)

Brief Answer: ELISA only detects antibodies Detailed Answer: Namasthe Dear XXXX ELISA only detects antibodies. These may require time to form if infection occurs. The specific antigen test is P24 antigen assay. Take Care Regards Deepak

Note: Get personalized answers to your HIV related queries You can choose to talk face to face with your doctor. Book a Video Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar