I just tested Negative for HIV, 10 weeks after a possible exposure to the virus, through vaginal intercourse. For at least the past 6 weeks have been experiencing what my docotor calls "Lymphodenopathy", neck pains and fatigue. I understand that these are direct symptoms of Hiv infection. My doctor told me that since I tested negative at 10 weeks that HIV was not the cause. The doctor explained that I would test HIV positive during the time that I was having these symptoms, this far out post-possible exposure and that a vast majority of people convert before 10 weeks. 1). Is that true? 2). If I were HIV infected, would these symptoms last this long? 3). If not Hiv, then possibly what?

1) Your doctor is right; most people would test antibody positive 10 weeks after infection. Strictly speaking, the CDC recommends testing 3 or more months after exposure, so what you are comfortable with will be up to you.

2) Symptoms related to acute infection (the symptoms one has in the weeks following HIV infection) have been estimated to last anywhere from 3 days to 10 weeks, but usually last less than 14 days.

3) I cannot guess the cause of your symptoms. Please consult with your doctor about that.

RMK