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.
Josh.
Hi I’m Nick
I have been on PEP for 23 days and since yesterday I do feel an itchy throat and mild headache should I worry about any possibility of PEP failure
Hi Shridar, oral sex is not high risk. As you are unaware of your partners status it is more likely that they are HIV negative. From this encounter there is little to no risk of transmission. Your symptoms are not caused by seroconversion.
Please see here for more information: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing
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?
One week after completing the pep i have rashes all over my chest..is it due to Seroconvesrion?
Hi Zach, this is more likely a cold than symptoms of seroconversion. Seroconversion is further explained here: https://i-base.info/guides/testing/symptoms-and-seroconversion
I finished my PEP regimen on 09/13/2023. I’ve been having symptoms such as post-nasal drip, mild fatigue and weakness and runny nose/congestion. I have had no fever, no sore throat and no cervical lymphadenopathy. Is it more likely that I have a cold, or should I consult my doctor for possible seroconversion symptoms?
Hi Johnny, no this does not mean PEP has failed. These are common symptoms and do not suggest HIV.
Please see here for more information: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing
Hi, I had unprotected sex and because I don’t know the lady’s status, I took PEP for a month.
Today makes it 9 days after completion of doses , I have an itchy feeling in my throat and skin and flu .
Should I be worried?
Hi Peter, please see here for more information: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq
Hey am peter am on peps and on 25th day so am experiencing paint in joint, fatigue ,feeling sick, luck of sleep at night, oral thrust tho hasn’t been eating well cause of stress wanted to know if the peps has worked or can I assume signs
Hi John, drinking alcohol will not cause PEP to not work. As long as you are remembering to take PEP at the same time everyday there is no direct problem between alcohol and PEP.