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AIDS/DNA PCR after 28 Days - Symptoms remain

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Expert: Terry B - 8/12/2008


Question
Hi

I had protected vaginal/anal and unprotected oral sex with a prostitute on June 8th. I then got sore throat, mild fever, and ulcers. I went for a DNA PCR test for HIV1 and HIV2 on July 7th and got results as negative on July 9. Should I go for an ELISA test as the sore throat remains?

Also, is numbness in my hands related symptom?

Tnanks

Answer
Dear Raman:

Peace.  You should see a doctor about your sore throat - it appears that your test results strongly suggest no HIV infection, but other infections are more easily transmitted, and fear of HIV should not be interfering with your finding out what is wrong and receiving diagnosis and treatment.  My short advice is to see your doctor, explain your sore throat and the numbness in your hands, be examined, and be treated as he/she advises.  Failure to treat a throat infection, for example, can lead to serious complications and illness which damages your health; the numbness in your hands could be from a variety of things - but talking with a physician and/or health professional who can examine and determine what's going on is best.

Please see your doctor.   Best to you and yours,

Terry

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Terry B

Expertise

Help in assessing personal and professional risk of HIV transmission; tips in teaching about HIV/AIDS; cultural competency for teaching about HIV/AIDS in Catholic settings; considerations in US and overseas HIV/AIDS programs and education for health and other professionals. Specific questions about treatment should be referred to your health provider; opinions and information offered are not meant to replace medical advice

Experience

Seven years with academic medical center and national AIDS education and training center, seven subsequent years with focus on international HIV/AIDS in East and South Africa. Former clinician, bioethics preceptor at an academic medical center and presenter in wide range of fora including international AIDS conference.

Organizations
Disabled American Veterans American Public Health Association MENSA AA

Publications
Human Variety, EC Sociological Society Proceedings of the International AIDS Conference, Durban, South Africa "HIV and Primary Care"

Education/Credentials
BS Psychology MPH Master of Public Health PhD studies underway

Awards and Honors
Naval School of Health Sciences, Hospital Corps with Highest Honors, Neuropsychiatry with Honors and High Distinction

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