charles477:

Thanks for your speedy reply, its above three months I did the test, but notwithstanding am gonna redo it by March, that should be 7months pretty enuff I bliv based on research. But you didn't answer ma question if there is a symptom of bitter taste in mouth.

Hello, bitter / altered taste in the mouth can be for various reasons and definitely not specific to HIV infection. I would give more weight to the HIV blood test in order to answer if one is infected or not and certainly not to the taste in ones mouth. I hope this helps.

plendil:

You're most welcome

BTW your handle 'hopeinhell' is very . .er . .intriguing (!!!)

I love the concept of hope, it keeps one pushing on even in the darkest of places! I hope you are enjoying the speciality

clnzo: Dr God bless for u response.I also made a research n found out there is a particular drug called PERP dat stops an Hiv negative person from contacting if been exposed.pls doctor how can I get dis drugs n enlighten me further.I nid ur advice n if possible to reach out to u.

Hello, no problem. What you are referring to is called PEPSE ( Post Exposure Prophylaxis following Sexual Exposure) basically, it is a series of anti retroviral (HIV) medication (ARV) that is given to prevent acquiring the virus after possible exposure. It is not a replacement for safe sex but it is there to use if you had a condom accident or forgot to use a condom. It is licensed for use up to 72 hours (3 days) after the incident (in this case sex) as research shows that by day 5, HIV has already gotten hold of the body (to explain in simple terms). Obviously the sooner you go to take it, the better and the higher the chance of success. Beware that PEPSE is to be taken for 28 days and you need close monitoring. The best is still consistent and correct condom use, but if that fails there is PEPSE, find a HIV specialist in your area to discuss about this when ever you feel you are risk and are within the time frame mentioned above. They will tell you depending on the type of sex you had if you should go on PEPSE. I hope this helps. Feel free to ask any other question and people can also PM me too if you wish

plendil:

Well, it partially helps. . .but I need to make some emphasis:

Current guideline uses the serial testing algorithm which deploys Determine for screening, unigold for confirmation and statpak for tie breaker, so I'm not sure what you mean by 3rd/4th generation test.

Moreover the point I was trying to make has nothing to with the type of test used, but the rate of seroconversion. Unless one uses the antigen/PCR methods that directly test for the presence of viral antigen/RNA, the rapid test methods described above depends on the presence of antibodies to the virus and gives room for occasional false negatives especially if one rigidly stands by the 3 months interval.

I do concede that about 95% of infected persons will develop antibodies - and so test positive - within the 3 month window, but we have documented evidence of window periods extending well over 3months, some close to a year.

Individual host factors have been identified that could predispose certain people to such instances. That is why I would insist clients retake the test at 6months after exposure.


BTW this is not info I gleaned from the internet; I'm speaking as a medical practitioner with over 5 years experience in HIV medicine and currently involved in HIV research and training - so i have a pretty good idea of what I'm talking about.

Thank you. I am also a medical practitioner working in the field but admittedly not up to 5 years as your self. My point was coming from the evidence based medicine and what our current guidelines that we use are based on. The 4th generation I meant HIV antibody and p24 antigen. Yes like you said there can be extremes of evidence, so we would always recommend in a mutual monogamous relationship both partners to be tested at baseline (window period in mind) and if frequent partner change (or unsure) patients to have test frequently (3 - 6 monthly). Thank you for your contributions though

plendil:

the 3 month window period doesn't always apply. I personally would recommend at least six months after exposure for confirmation of serostatus.

This does depend on how old the type of test you are using, the current guidelines for 3rd / 4th generation HIV test, 3 months is perfectly acceptable. Obviously you can never have too many HIV test. There are other infections that might need longer test time like if you have been a contact of Hepatitis C. So if in doubt have a test. I hope this helps.

clnzo: Pls wat are d symptoms one get before he contacts HIV? Pls someone tell me.I checked my status it negative a month ago after I had an STD.pls I jus wona b sure am cleared .

Hello Clnzo, people don't always get symptoms on contracting HIV infection. But if they do, it can include prolonged coughs, colds, sore throat and body Rash.... You are doing the right thing by getting a HIV test after a sexual infection. My adv to you would be to repeat a HIV test 3 months after your last sexual contact, if that's ok. Then you are ok. I am a Dr specialising in sexual Health and HIV medicine. If you want to ask anything else you feel free.

Hello All, would like to ask for those who have experience, are you allowed to sponsor more than 1 person on a short interval to come to UK? if so what is the limit and cut offs. I have just sponsored my partner, his application is pending in ukba and also want to sponsor my dad to get his 2 year visiting visa. My dad has come to visit me twice from 2009 and always goes back to Nigeria after a month. Do you suggest my dad waits for my partner visa to come out, bearing in mind it can take up to 3 months. Thanks for your response.

Any suggestions on the best ways to secure funding / Support for a charity ball??

Also any suggestions of Big Nigerian companies in UK that would be able to support our course. Our Organisation is a big Nigerian Charity. Thanks.

I am in the process of writing a piece on Cervical Cancer. It has been very topical in the UK, as it is one of the leading cancer in female after Breast / Lungs. Thanks to the national screening programme and HPV vaccinations, the incidence and indeed mortality is being beaten, although we still hear in the press sad cases of young women dying as a result.

I would like to know the effects in Nigeria, as I can imagine it is not uncommon. What is the screening programme like in Nigeria? (Smears / VIA). And are vaccines readily available?

As there is a sexual relationship to this diagnosis, what are people attitudes to seeking screening and vaccinations? How is the health education programme in relation to this, are campaigns being carried out in junior secondary school and likewise?

Once diagnosed, what treatment options being offered? I understand this will depend on ur pocket size, but are gold standard treatments available say if you could pay?

All comments are welcomed, either if you are working directly with patients or know someone who was diagnosed or have any experience related to the topic.
Thanks