- male
- 30 Years
- 22/01/2025
I'm Rajesh and recently I had a brief encounter with a sex worker, but I used two condoms for protection. It happened on the 8th of June 2018, and about 26 days later, I went for an HIV duo 4th generation test, which came back negative with a result of 0.09. Lately, I've developed a cold, cough, and some throat pain that I think could just be due to the weather. Can I trust these test results and get back to my regular routine, or should I be concerned? I'm really anxious about this and could use some guidance.
Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors
Hi Rajesh, based on your description, the HIV 4th generation test you took 26 days after exposure is highly reliable and indicates you are negative. Your symptoms are more likely due to weather changes and not related to HIV. You can continue with your regular life, but if you remain anxious, consider retesting at 6 weeks for complete peace of mind.
Dr. Shubham Suggests...
Consult a Infectious Disease specialist
Answered 04/07/2025
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View allI had a situation a few months ago where I was with a prostitute and the condom broke during sex. The next day, I took her for an HIV test, and thankfully, it came back negative. Since then, I've been really anxious about it even though I've had no symptoms. Can you help me understand what the chances are of something being wrong? I'm trying to calm my nerves but it's tough not knowing.
When she is negative there is almost zero chances of you getting the disease,no need to worry get yourself tested for every 6 months
Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors
I took an HIV 1 and 2 antibodies screening and an HIV 1 and 2 p24 combo test 86 days after I was exposed. The results came back negative. Can I be sure that's conclusive at this point?
A negative HIV 1&2 antibodies and p24 combo test after 86 days (approximately 3 months) of exposure is highly suggestive of non-infection, but not conclusive. Here's why: Reasons for Caution 1. Window period: HIV antibodies may take up to 3-4 months to develop. 2. False negatives: Rare, but possible due to laboratory errors or test sensitivity. 3. Viral load: Low viral load may not trigger antibody production. Next Steps 1. Repeat testing: Schedule another HIV test 3-6 months after initial exposure.
Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors
I'm super worried and need some clarity. So back in 2001-2002, I got bitten by a dog but didnt get any vaccines then. Jumping ahead 5-6 years later, I started getting anxious about it and took 3 rabies vaccines in 2008. Since then, Ive had a total of 12 rabies vaccines between 2008 and 2012, taking them post-exposure. Does that mean I'm still at risk of rabies in the future because I took the vaccines late? Also, last year I went to a mela and had dinner at a hotel where the food was kept on the floor in a container. Later, I started stressing out about whether a dog might have eaten that food too. I've heard rabies has an incubation period of 1-3 months. Im past 67 months now, so is there still a risk? Some people suggest getting tests like the Nuchal biopsy Rabies Antibody test. This is all overwhelming, and I could really use some advice.
Given your concerns, I'll provide a detailed response to help alleviate your worries. (i) Dog bite in 20012002 and subsequent vaccinations You received a dog bite in 20012002 but didn't receive immediate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Later, between 2008-2012, you received a total of 12 rabies vaccinations. The risk of developing rabies in this scenario is extremely low. Multiple factors contribute to this assessment: 1. Time elapsed: The dog bite occurred over 20 years ago, and you've received multiple vaccinations since then. 2. Vaccination regimen: You've completed a series of vaccinations, which provides robust immunity against rabies. 3. Immune system response: Your immune system has likely developed a strong response to the vaccinations, further reducing the risk of developing rabies. (ii) Concerns about food exposure at a hotel You're worried that a dog might have contaminated the food you ate at a hotel. Even if a dog had come into contact with the food, the risk of transmitting rabies through contaminated food is extremely low. Key points to consider: 1. Rabies transmission: Rabies is primarily transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite. Indirect transmission through contaminated food or surfaces is highly unlikely. 2. Incubation period: The incubation period for rabies is typically between 2-10 weeks, with most cases occurring within 2-3 months. Since you've already passed the 6-7 month mark, the risk of developing rabies from this incident is negligible. 3. Testing and diagnosis: Nuchal biopsy and rabies antibody tests are typically used to diagnose rabies in symptomatic individuals. Given your asymptomatic status and the low risk of exposure, these tests are unlikely to provide any valuable information.
Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors
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Disclaimer: Answers on Apollo 247 are not intended to replace your doctor advice. Always seek help of a professional doctor in case of an medical emergency or ailment.