Expert: Kristen Brannock, MPH - 7/24/2007

Question
Hi Sir,
I had unprotected high risky vaginal intercourse 5 weeks ago , what makes it high risky is that there was menstrual blood , suddenly the girl's period started ..

I can't describe how horrible my feeling was , I panicked , and started thinking about being infected with HIV since the blood increases the risk massively !
I went through all the STDs tests , I found out that I've got Gonorrhea , I've been taking antibiotics and I feel much better now , but I still have annoying sore throat that started 12 hours after exposure and today it will be around the 35th day and it is still persistent , Beside swollen glands in my neck and groin area , they are swollen a bit ..

I had P24 Antigen test at 14 days after exposure and it came back negative , I took the Duo test ( ELISA antibodies and P24 Antigen ) at day 28th ( after 4 weeks ), Both came back negative ..
I asked the girl about her HIV status she told that she's fine ..
What do you think Sir ? Do you think is there any possibility
that if i would go for antibodies test after 6 weeks , It would turn back positive ? I am much worried and scared to death , and Lesson learned ( NEVER practice sex out of your marriage ) ..
and what do you suggest in my case and for my high risk behavior ?
I am sorry for bothering but your answer will help me a lot ..


Answer
It is too early for an accurate test. The window period for the HIV test is 1-3 months post-exposure. You need to wait until at least 3 months after post exposure to test.

You would not have HIV-related symptoms this quickly- they take years to develop.