I recently just had what is considered a low risk exposure and I have a few questions.
1) When is the latest you have experienced or read that a person can experience ARS after the initial infection (e.g. 8-10-12-14 weeks)? I know from the threads that ARS may happen sometime after 2-6 weeks and then symptoms seems to go away...but when is the latest after infection that is can occur, if it occurs at all? Can ARS begin at 12 weeks after infection? Please answer considering your professional experience and any literature or research that you may have seen.
2) Also, if true ARS were occurring (e.g. fever, rash, throat, etc.) would not one's WBC drop as all these infections are occurring and after the illnesses go away the WBC resumes normal?
3) With early HIV, why are the suggested areas for lymph node enlargement the groin, armpits and neck areas? What about other areas of the body (e.g. Retroperitoneal lymph nodes) do these enlarge as well but can’t be easily located? Is it because some areas are easily checked by an MD? Or is there a medical reason why these nodes seem to be the choice for this virus? What is expected with the retroperitoneal lymph nodes during early HIV infection, enlargement as well but not easily felt?
4) Last, are there any statistics on asymptomatic periods? Meaning, does everyone go into asymptomatic period after ARS? Are there statistics as to how many infected people do or do not go directly into asymptomatic period after ARS has run its course? Are there people who never recover after ARS and go on being sick...is there research behind my last question
I thank you in advance for your God given patience will all of our questions.
I recently just had what is considered a low risk exposure and I have a few questions.
1) When is the latest you have experienced or read that a person can experience ARS after the initial infection (e.g. 8-10-12-14 weeks)? I know from the threads that ARS may happen sometime after 2-6 weeks and then symptoms seems to go away...but when is the latest after infection that is can occur, if it occurs at all? Can ARS begin at 12 weeks after infection? Please answer considering your professional experience and any literature or research that you may have seen.ARS - acute retroviral syndrome occurs shortly after infection with HIV. In general this occurs very shortly after infection - perhaps 2 to 4 weeks after. It would I suppose be possible to have this at 12 weeks but I've never seen it and we see seroconversion illnesses commonly.
2) Also, if true ARS were occurring (e.g. fever, rash, throat, etc.) would not one's WBC drop as all these infections are occurring and after the illnesses go away the WBC resumes normal? All irrelevant - if you have a high risk exposure, develop true ARS then you may have other changes in your blood film but not always. Stick to the tests for HIV and don't speculate
3) With early HIV, why are the suggested areas for lymph node enlargement the groin, armpits and neck areas? What about other areas of the body (e.g. Retroperitoneal lymph nodes) do these enlarge as well but can’t be easily located? All nodes will be enlarged you chump, but whilst my fingers are very long and very inquisitive, I would need an 18 inch laparoscope, a fully equipped operating theatre, anaesthetist, and all sorts of othe kit to reach the retroperitoneal lymph nodes - and, unless I really was very very good at retropritoneal dissection, I'm likely to kill you by accident in the process - yes, you've got it, we go for the lymph nodes we can feelIs it because some areas are easily checked by an MD? Or is there a medical reason why these nodes seem to be the choice for this virus? What is expected with the retroperitoneal lymph nodes during early HIV infection, enlargement as well but not easily felt? see my answer above
4) Last, are there any statistics on asymptomatic periods? Meaning, does everyone go into asymptomatic period after ARS? Are there statistics as to how many infected people do or do not go directly into asymptomatic period after ARS has run its course? Are there people who never recover after ARS and go on being sick...is there research behind my last question
You've said that you had a low risk exposure - why are you asking these odd questions? If you think you have HIV then have a test.
I am surprised to read that I am considered a "chump”. Where I come from that would be considered an insult. Not sure why I am called a chump, but if it is because I am not educated in regards to HIV,,, well one could then say that about most who post questions on this site. We look for an education or clarity on something that we are not familiar with (HIV). In my field I am considered an expert, but I am not so sure that I would call someone a chump because they have chosen another field of expertise and are unfamiliar with mine.
As for me testing..,well, I have tested (negative). I was advised that I should return and test again (just to be sure) by the testing facility and will return for a final and conclusive result at that time.
I would like to know if you would consider answering my final question. I have searched the internet for an answer that I could not find. I am certain that it would not only benefit me but "many" others as well. It would offer an answer to a question that I can't seem to find on the internet anywhere. Please consider answering it and leaving it on the forum for other to learn from. So I pose it again for the sake of others and myself as well...
4) Last, are there any statistics on asymptomatic periods? Meaning, does everyone go into asymptomatic period after ARS? Are there statistics as to how many infected people do or do not go directly into asymptomatic period after ARS has run its course? Are there people who never recover after ARS and go on being sick...is there research behind my last question
I thank you in advance for your God given patience will all of our questions.
"Chump" was supposed to be humorous and generally gentle but clearly not interpreted that way.
With regard to your final question:-
Quote:
4) Last, are there any statistics on asymptomatic periods? Meaning, does everyone go into asymptomatic period after ARS? As far as I'm aware there are no reliable stats on thisAre there statistics as to how many infected people do or do not go directly into asymptomatic period after ARS has run its course? Same question as above - and same answer - I'm not aware there are reliable stats on thisAre there people who never recover after ARS and go on being sick..yes,.is there research behind my last question I don't understand this bit
Last question! If there are no statistics on those that never recover after ARS, then what is your professional experience in realtion to your HIV patients. Have they all recovered after ARS or have some continued on being ill and never fully recovering after ARS? Strickly asking about your practice and experience with your HIV patients.
Good news, my "ANXIETY" got the best of me and I went to another walk in clinic and did an oral swab HIV test and it was again negative. Counselor made me feel much better, but I do feel this is important information for those that "think" they have HIV and are fearful to seek medical attention, they continue being sick (for reasons other than HIV) and don't seek medical assistance. Please consider a "sticky" as I do feel it will help others.
Thank you for your considerations!!!!!
Ps: Sorry for the misunderstanding, my anxiety was racing through the roof.
Acute retroviral syndrome - ARS - is fairly specific. I don't know of anyone personally as a clinician who has gone on from acute retroviral syndrome to "continuing retroviral syndrome".
That said, there are patients of mine who have had a severe ARS followed by a prolonged period of illness with no recovery and early start of anti-retroviral medications to deal with that and who have continued with the medications.
The usual sequence after infection with HIV is:-
1) initial illness with for example severe sore throat, high temperature and rash which may run on for a few days - up to 10 days.
2) a parallel increase in amount of HIV Virus and a reduction of the relevant immune system cells
3) partial recovery of the immune system with restoration of the immune system measured by the number of CD4 cells and decline of the HIV viral load
Some people will develop HIV infection, develop an HIV seroconversion illness (ARS) and then go on to worsening immune suppression. They are relatively rare.
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