Question
I tested positive for HIV after having a flu vaccine…
23 November 2023. Related: All topics, HIV testing, Newly diagnosed.
I recently vaccinated with the flu vaccine sw now I have an STI and I tested positive for HIV how is that result accurate
Answer
Hi, how are you doing?
Have you started treatment? and have you been able to talk to anyone about being HIV positive?
An HIV test is very specific. This means that even if you have other infections or have recently had a vaccine, an HIV test will only be positive if you have HIV.
Having the flue vaccine will not have made your test result any less accurate.
Josh.
Hi Surieta, no.
Can the medical staff be bribed to give a compromised result? Like give a negative HIV result while it is positive? Forgive me for being naive
Hi Ant, have you had the results of your final test?
Thank you, Josh!
I am scheduled for another test tomorrow. Another doctor mentioned that I had a cold strain called HMPV, explaining my persistent cough, runny nose, and congestion lasting at least 14 days. However, it’s been 68 days, and on day 65, I experienced a low-grade fever (possibly not a fever) accompanied by night sweats. The symptoms briefly subsided but returned on day 66.
Concerned, I visited urgent care, where I was diagnosed with an ear infection. I can somewhat understand this, as I had been coughing up a significant amount of mucus for nearly three weeks. The doctor also noted a slight redness in my throat, although it wasn’t sore, and I didn’t feel any discomfort while swallowing. The doctor suggested that my persistent cough could have contributed to these symptoms.
Despite having the final test tomorrow, I am more anxious than before due to these new developments and that I have been getting sick with everything. My immune system seems to be weakened.
Hi Ant, I am sorry to hear that you have not been well recently.
Most importantly, as you started PEP so soon after this exposure and have completed the test with several HIV negative tests, it is very suggestive that you will remain HIV negative.
Experiencing this stomach virus almost a month of completing PEP is too long to be suggestive of HIV. It would also be an odd presentation of seroconversion. Have you started treatment again? Do you know if this resurfacing of symptoms is still bronchitis? It is possible that you did not have a long enough course of treatment which is why it has come back. Being in hospital is not going to help your symptoms also.
As it has now been more than 6 weeks you can use a 4th generation test for a conclusive test result.
Testing and transmission: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing
Hi John,
I hope this message finds you well.
On September 2, at 6 pm, I had an encounter where the condom broke, and as a precaution, I obtained a PEP prescription and began taking it at 1 am the next morning. Approximately 7 hours later. Following this incident, I got tested for various infections and was positive for Gonorrhea, which I promptly treated under the guidance of a different doctor. The doctor assured me that the Gonorrhea treatment did not impact my PEP.
I underwent an HIV test on September 22, knowing it might not be accurate due to ongoing PEP. My PEP regimen concluded on October 3. Later, on October 31, I experienced a stomach virus lasting for four days without a fever. Subsequently, on November 5, a wet cough developed. Seeking medical advice, I was diagnosed with bronchitis on November 10 and completed a 6-day course of prescribed medication, feeling better afterward.
Unfortunately, my symptoms resurfaced on November 21, a day after being in the hospital with my son who had RSV until the 22nd. Since then, I have been dealing with congestion, a wet cough, sneezing, and a runny nose.
I am planning to undergo testing again, but I am concerned about the possibility of acute HIV infection. It has been nearly two months since I completed my PEP regimen. I would appreciate any insights or guidance you may have regarding these symptoms.
Thank you!
Hi Ann, as long as you started PEP within 72 hours of the exposure it will be effective.
You started PEP at 27 hours which means it will be effective as long as you complete the course. This is regardless of you coming into contact with blood.
PEP: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq
I had sex with a girl 5 times in the night and she and when we went for an HIV test she was positive . I started PEP at 27hours .
During sex , blood came out of her private part. And i take this risk to be high.
Will PEP work especially that I had direct blood contact