I experienced a high risk exposure by sharing a needle with a friend of unknown HIV status. I tested for HIV and HEP at 19 weeks exactly post-exposure and my results were negative. However, around late week 17/week 18 of exposure, I developed soreness in my right arm that lasted about a week or so followed by soreness in my armpits that lasted a few days. I am wondering if that could possibly have been me seroconverting after that amount of time, and how likely that would be. I am a very young, and (as I know) healthy individual but this is really stressing me out. I will be testing in another 3 weeks (at 24 weeks post-exposure) but I do not know how to calm myself until then.

Thanks for your question,

Sounds to me that you're HIV negative! A test at 19 weeks is more than sufficient to tell if you have HIV from this situation. It's also important in a situation like this to be tested for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.

Please please please in the future try to practice techniques that will reduce your risk.. these include (only) using the needle first, bring your own needles, etc. (there's more in the archives of this site).

If you're having trouble coming to terms with your negative status and accepting this.. it's probably time to talk with a trusted person who can help you manage your worry (like a counselor).

Hope this helps!

Erik