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.Â
Josh.
Hi,am LT,had unprotected sex with this lady twice,and later decided to go to the clinic since she wasnt willing to test.This was like 60hrs later,am on pep,not sure which,one big white tablet.Am Kenyan.Its been a week and i have flue symptoms,bad headache,runny nose,fever,and am really worried maybe i was too late to start pep considering i was close to 72hrs.Please advice.Thanks
Hi Matt, this is more likely a reaction to PEP/antibiotics or it could be stress induced. As there is some risk that this has been caused by your treatment you do need to speak with your doctor.
Hi, I had unprotected vaginal intercourse with a sex worker. I went to the ER within 24 hours and got 4 pills and a injection for chlamydia/Gonorrhea and also started taking PEP daily for 28 days. (Truvada and Tivicay). After 7 days I’m getting a bit of a rash along my neck/collar bone. (Mild itching and looks like small red bumps).
My chest and neck are a bit itchy. Is this an early symptom of HIV or is this most likely a reaction to the pep or antibiotics?
Hi V1, how long have you had these rashes/pimples for? Are they causing you any concern? If they are it is important you speak with your doctor. It is good that you have already tested negative but the earliest you can confirm your result is 6 weeks after your last dose of PEP using a 4th generation antigen/antibody test.
Hi, I’m on 24 days of pep but have rashes on my penis and pimples on my arms. Tested negative 3 weeks ago. What should I do next .
Hi KC, no this was not a high risk exposure. As you were without a condom for only a few seconds and were unsure of this persons status the risk is low. The earliest you can test using a 4th generation test is 6 weeks after your last dose of PEP. This will give a conclusive result. A sore throat is very common. As you had a full course of PEP alongside a very low risk exposure, this is nothing to be concerned about. The itchiness on your legs after you bathe is not a sign of HIV but may be worth mentioning to your doctor.
Hello,
I had sex with a lady in a massage parlour and the condom broke. I realized it immediately and withdrew. I may have been in contact for about 3-5 seconds before I realized. I then put on a fresh condom and continued. On talking to my doctor, he put me on PEP right away within 3 hours of the exposure. This happened on the 29th of November 2022 and I took the course for 28 days that ended on the 26th of December. I got the HIV 4th gen test done on the 27th of Dec which came out non reactive. I believe tests done right after finishing pep are unreliable. Is that true? When next shall I get the test? During the course of PEP, I did get rash on my arms & a small part of my chest which was bareable & which I assume was a side effect of Efavirenz. My questions are:
1. Was this a high risk exposure?
2. When should I get the HIV 4th gen test for a reliable result
3. I had a sore throat after 2 weeks of finishing PEP that got better in 5-6 days. Is this to worry about?
4. I get itchiness on my legs mostly after I bathe. Is that any sign?
Worried,
KC
Hi Kevin, yes you can take regular flu medication while taking TLD. As you started PEP within 72 hours and your exposure was with a partner more likely HIV negative than positive, your symptoms are more suggestive of flu/cold.
Hi…… Kevin here…. I had sexy with woman here status is unknown…. While I was we were in the intimacy I realized my condom broke……i went to hospital after 37 hours later they gave me TLD pep which am still taking… Am on day 17 now but I have flue….. I dnt know if early the symptoms or just regular flu…… And can I take flu medication while on pep?!
Hi Tony, even if PEP didn’t work, these meds would likely delay any symptoms of seroconversion until after you stop the PEP. Worrying a lot about HIV can also cause these symptoms.