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. john •

    I tested negative before i was handed PEP,its my 14th day now, yesterday I had unprotected sex with my negative partner, is she at risk??

  2. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Jessie, no these are not signs of acute HIV. While on PEP signs of seroconversion would not be seen until AFTER you complete the course.

    Even if PEP fails (which is rare), PEP still suppresses HIV for the duration of the course preventing serocovnersion.

    As you have mentioned, the most likely cause of your symptoms is the flu.

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

  3. Jessie •

    Hello, I am on my 23rd day of PEP and a few days ago I had a flu and right after my flu, I have acute tonsillopharyngitis. Are these from acute HIV or was it caused by the flu I had before it? Thanks

  4. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Simon, no this does not mean PEP has failed. Even if PEP does fail, signs of seroconversion are not expected until after you complete the course. PEP would prevent HIV seroconversion during the course and prevent these symptoms.

    As you have mentioned, these are flu-like symptoms and PEP will not prevent other common infections like this. As you are on PEP along with the symptoms you have mentioned, this is most likely flu. If these symptoms continue please speak with your doctor.

  5. Simon •

    Hello,I’m on PEP day 24.But I have a severe flu.No cough but looks like a stuffed nose. Does this mean PEP failed? I had high fever too until I took paracetamol. Do I have the virus now?

  6. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Erick, I am sorry to hear about your current symptoms.

    They are not signs of PEP failure. While on PEP symptoms of HIV would be delayed. They are also not a side effect of PEP.

    This sounds like an infection (not HIV). Please speak to your doctor about appropriate treatment. PEP only prevents HIV, it does not prevent other common infections like the flu or covid.

  7. ERICK •

    Am on PEP ( TLD) day 15,,, and I use it effectively ,,,but i have high fever especially during night, muscles aches, lymph node pain, sore throat, and classical head ache, are these may be signs of HIV due to pep failure or are pep side effects?

  8. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Yemi, what you have described is not a risk for HIV transmission.

    For more information please see here:
    https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing

  9. Yemi •

    I had a kiss, received a fellatio and condom sex with a positive lady that started ART four months ago. I tested her again with oraquick and she came back positive. I started PEP less than 14hrs after the event. I also discovered that I had some sores in my mouth. Am I safe?
    P.S. This event happened a day after I finished taking PEP for a previous risk with a lady with unknown status.

  10. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Mujuni, for information about PEP see here:
    https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq

    If you remain concerned about these symptoms before the time you can test, please speak to your doctor.