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
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.
I am taking PEP since 14 days but on day 15 I experienced sore throat and swollen glands on neck and behind my ears. So I have done RT PCR Rna test which was negative. Could it be a symtom of acute HIV
Hi Terence, no this is not an HIV symptom.
Please see here for more information about testing and transmission:
https://i-base.info/guides/testing
Hi im currently in my day 22 of taking PEP.
I have noticed starting last week that there are small watery blisters randomly popping out of my skin. They dont appear in clusters but isolated blisters (only 1 in an area like my abdomen, thigh, leg, arm, back)
Is this an hiv symptom?
Hi sssooo, no this does not mean you have HIV. PEP will not protect you from other common infections that can cause a sore throat.
A temperature of 37 is normal. You do not have a fever.
More information about transmission can be found here:
https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing
Hi, I’m on pep for 17 days started 17 hour after contact. I have throat sore and 37 temperature, is it hiv?
Hi AK, for more information about PEP please see here:
https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq
Hello doc, I’m on PEP day 9 I’m feeling sore throat from last 2 days and itching at legs(which used to happen earlier aswell occasionally).I took PEP after 30 hours of exposure, and now I feel very low and stressed.
Hi Moha, no this is not seroconversion. Symptoms of seroconversion do not occur until after PEP. Even is PEP has failed (which is rare) seroconversion is still delayed.
Please see here for more information about PEP:
https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq
Hi doc, am on day 17 PEP but on day 7 i got mild sore which doesnt resolve with anythings and some low grade fever. What could be th reason. Am i seroconverting? Am stressed
Hi KT, no this is not possible. While on PEP, even if PEP fails, seroconversion does not occur until after the course has completed.
Your current low-grade fever is not the result of HIV.
Please see here for more information:
https://i-base.info/guides/testing