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. 

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

Josh.

137 comments

  1. John

    Was told not to drink alcohol while on PEPs could it cause failer for my PEPs since I couldn’t stop drinking alcohol

  2. Josh Peasegood

    Hi Peter, no this does not mean that PEP has failed. Please speak to your doctor and have the ulcer checked.

  3. Peter

    Have been taking PEPs for 22days now and I have seen something not normal on my penis I have ulcer does it means PEPs has fails to work

  4. Josh Peasegood

    Hi Alam, continue using PEP for the duration of the course you have been given at the same time each day.

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

  5. Alam

    On 25th august I was injured by a used needle which was used before 18hr(minimum)
    2-3(days maximum)
    When I was injured thr was blood running out from my finger,,,blood on that needle was totally dry and even I don’t know about his/her hiv status, for whom it was used for.
    Next day I went to AIIMS RISHIKESH to emergency department to know more about this,
    They gave me 1st dose of pep which was given to my after 26 hr of my exposure, since 26 august I m regularly using pep( LTD-300,300,&50 mg respectively)
    Tell me sir what should I have to do
    Thanks

  6. Josh Peasegood

    Hi Nick, as the confirmatory test was negative there is no need to be on PEP.

  7. Nick

    Hi am Nick
    My woman tested HIV positive with a faint line then second test as a confirmatory it came negative.
    … should I use pep or how should I trust the two results…am confused though we were to go back for another test after Three weeks time

  8. Josh Peasegood

    Hi Shridar, oral sex carries little to no risk of transmission. There has been no documented case of transmission via oral sex. You do not need to be taking PEP.

    Your sore throat is not a sign of seroconversion.

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

  9. Shridhar

    Hi, I received oral sex from a massage therapist (mouth to penis) i am not sure of her hiv status, how likely that I’ll get infected?
    I started taking pep after 48hrs of possible exposure and after 7 days of pep i have sore throat, can this be seroconversion?

  10. Josh Peasegood

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