Question
Seroconversion after PEP?
2 January 2022. Related: All topics, HIV testing, PEP/PEPSE.
Hi, I have been having pain in my right ear and now a high fever. I’ve started coughing and having mucous and bodily aches that are unbearable. It’s been 7 weeks post PEP. Does that mean I am seroconverting? I have lost weight also. I am waiting to take a rapid test. Was the PEP treatment correct? I was given TLD one pill to take for 28 days and the brand name is Kovatrax.
Answer
Hi Kwazi, how are you?
Are you able to access a healthcare clinic. If you have not been on PEP for the last 6 weeks you can use an Antigen/Antibody 4th generation test. This will be able to confirm your status. The symptoms you have mentioned are possibly due to seroconversion but there are a number of other possible causes that would need to be checked by a doctor.
I understand why you’re scared but it is important to remember HIV is not easy to transmit and you have been on a course of PEP. This link might be of some benefit about fear and anxiety towards testing/waiting for results.
TLD is a recommended combination of PEP. Kovatrax is a brand version of TLD which you have mentioned. Taking one a day for the 28 days is the correct recommendation for a course of PEP.
Please see this link for more information about PEP:
https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq
Hi Frank, your results are conclusive. You do not have HIV. Swollen glands can be caused by a number of things other than HIV. If this continues or you are experiencing other symptoms you should speak with your doctor for other causes.
Its my 7th weeks post PEP as of 6 Dec 2022 and I’ve tested Negative with Abbott Alere 4th Gen rapid test. However I do have swollen glands below my chin. Can’t really move on. And wondering if its caused by HIV. Have you seen anyone test negative 6th weeks post PEP and turns positive afterward without further exposure?