Is PEP Effective If Taken 5 Hours After Exposure?

Posted on Sat, 3 Dec 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 3 Dec 2016 Answered on

Mon, 26 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : How long does it take for a swollen lymph node to go down? I recently had an exposure to hiv (broken condom with insertive vaginal sex - I'm a guy), which i went and received PEP for (within 5 hrs). However, a week after I finished PEP, I had a painful ear and a swollen lymph node on my neck. The ear pain is gone, but the lymph node has been there for a week now. I'm scared that this is ARS

Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is not related to ARS.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX

Welcome to HCM.

You had taken PEP within 5 hours of your exposure then there is no risk of HIV. Painful ear and swollen lymphnode may be due to some other infection not related to ARS and it will take at-least 15days to go back to normal. Consult ENT specialist and follow the treatment regime. You will get better soon. For any further query feel free to ask me any time.

Thank You

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar

Follow up: Dr. Sunil Jangid (33 hours later)

I went to the doctor and she discovered that I have a post-nasal dripping and sinus problems, because phlegm keeps collecting in my throat and I have to clear my throat often. She gave me medication for this. Could this be the reason why my lymph node is swollen?

I went for a rapid HIV test today (2 weeks since finishing PEP and 6 weeks since exposure and it was negative). Is this a good sign? and do you think this could change to positive?

Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No it will not change to positive.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX

Welcome back and thanks for follow-up.

Swollen lymph node can be due to your post nasal drip or sinus problem so follow your doctor advice and it will be fine soon. Rapid HIV test is negative after 6 weeks of exposure and 2 weeks of PEP so it is absolutely good sign and it will not change into positive because the result is 100% conclusive. Be relaxed, forget about the episode and move ahead in life. For any query feel free to ask me any time.

Thank You

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Sunil Jangid (6 hours later)

Thanks doctor

Using your medical knowledge and understanding of the disease, what do you think my chances are of walking away negative after this whole nightmare? Please help me. Im losing my mind to anxiety and fear, I cant function at all - and I cant enjoy Christmas which is almost here.

Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No need to get anxious or worried.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX

Welcome back once again.

As per my knowledge and experience you are100% negative so allay the fear or anxiety and enjoy your Christmas happily with the family as you are surely safe and risk free from HIV. Be happy and healthy always. For further query feel free to ask me again.

Thank You

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng