Q and A

Question

Can I assume my symptoms while on PEP are seroconversion?

Hi, I’ve taken PEP due to the fact our condoms broke. I didn’t know the status of the lady. I took the Ranega (TLD) as PEP, after a week after I finished PEP I had flu and sore throat. Now we are in the 4th week and my body is itching and I can start seeing a rash.

Can I assume this is a seroconversion status? I haven’t taken any test yet because I’m waiting for a total of 6 weeks then I can go do a test.

Answer

Hi, how are you doing?

No. This is not likely seroconversion. These are too few and too general symptoms to be considered seroconversion.

The flu and the sore throat are common. Regardless of being on PEP it does not stop the flu being common. Do you still have these symptoms?

It is possible that this rash is a side effect of Ranega. Have you spoken to a doctor about this? A rash should be seen by a doctor from when you notice it.

Have you been able to speak to your partner about their status? There are a number of factors other than the use of a condom that can alter the risk of a transmission.

You are right that a test is conclusive after 6 weeks after PEP. But you can take a test at 4 weeks to help with stress. This test will be 95% accurate and the test at 6 weeks will be conclusive. This is a guide about dealing with test anxiety. 

Josh.

113 comments

  1. Josh Peasegood

    Hi Maaviz, what you have described are not risks for HIV transmission.

    The symptoms you have described are not suggestive of HIV and have presented too early to be a sign of seroconversion.

    Please see here for more information about testing and transmission: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing

  2. Maaviz

    Hi i hope you are doing well. thank you very much for the things you guys do on this website. I have a few questions. I have been very stressed over this.

    I encountered a possible exposure on the 22nd of December 2023. I received protected oral sex from someone who might be HIV positive twice with protection. was it a risk factor if the condom tore?
    the 2nd was 30 days ago, The female sat on my genitals, I was naked but she was wearing a thin legging or some sort of pajama? It was very elastic.. My provider put me on PEP right after that, Thing is, I finished PEP course a few days ago and I have been feeling Body aches, Joint pain and overall pain in my bones for the past 2 weeks even after ending PEP. is this suggestive of HIV? Please let me know.

    I tested right after ending PEP and it was negative.

  3. Josh Peasegood

    Hi John, no your partner is not at risk. You are still advised to use a condom as you are unsure of your status however there is no risk of transmission.

    While on PEP, it will either work and there is no HIV to transmit, or in the rare case that it fails PEP suppresses HIV so much that it cannot be passed on while you are taking it.

    For more information about PEP please see here: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq

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