Expert: Kristen Brannock, MPH - 5/11/2005

Question
I dont think that you have answered my question to the best of your ability.  I would just like to know that if casual sneezing is considered a sympton for hiv?  Also if you have swallon lymph nodes in the neck are they really noticeable? as i no that these are a sympton!  Also do you think having Psosrasis could make it more easier for hiv virus to enter the body as i have been using an steriod cream, i no it can make it more easier if other stds are present!  also it has been five weeks now since the incident happened if a tested now how accurate would it be?  What test would i need for it to be accurate?  Elisa?  Could you please get back to me im scared thats all.

Answer
I am not a doctor and cannot answer questions about Psoriasis. Swollen glands are an early symptom of HIV, but they are also a symptom of many other illnesses. You should see a doctor to find out what is going on. No, sneezing is not a symptom. Testing depends on where you live-the ELISA, which is the most common test, has a 1-6 month window period meaning it could take the body up to 6 months to produce enough antibodies to be detected by the test. Blood pooling is another method used, although not as common. It has a much shorter window period. You should talk to a doctor, or testing center to find out what is offered. I will not answer anymore questions on this topic.