Q and A

Question

Can I assume my symptoms while on PEP are seroconversion?

23 May 2022. Related: All topics, HIV testing, HIV transmission, PEP/PEPSE.

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

Answer: Josh Peasegood

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. 

Please see this link for more info on PEP:
https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq

Josh.

137 comments

  1. Mujuni •

    Hy.. i have finished 28days course on pep. But now i feeling itching of joints and little pains and abit weak

  2. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Josh, giving someone a hickey is not a risk for transmission.

    Transmission:
    https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing

  3. Josh •

    What are the chances of getting infected?
    I gave a hickey to a guy and tasted blood he was hiv positive but he said he was undetectable would I get infected

  4. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Tammy, as you have been on PEP this is unlikely a sign of seroconversion. Being on PEP delays symptoms of HIV. These symptoms are very general and can be caused by much more common things e.g., cold or even covid.

    Please see here for more information:
    https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq

  5. Tammy •

    Hi, I’m currently on PEP but around the 10th day mark I got a really bad fever, sore throat and headache for about 4 days, could it have been a sign of seroconversion?

  6. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Wisdom, itching can be caused by a number of things. As you have now finished PEP, the itching has not been caused by PEP. If it continues or you are still concerned please speak to your doctor.

  7. Wisdom •

    Hi, i have finished pep but am having of strenge movement and intching in diffrent part of my body what could that be?

  8. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Peter, no this is not suggestive that PEP has failed. As you completed your course of PEP it makes HIV a very unlikely cause for these symptoms. If they persist/get worse please speak with your doctor about possible causes.

  9. Peter •

    Hey I have finish taking PEPs for a period of 28days now am experiencing itchy and scratching a lot then joint pain could PEPs failed should I be worried

  10. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Aligo, this is not a sign of PEP failure. These are common symptoms and do not suggest PEP has failed.