Anyone know if it is Mono or HIV?

I'm freaking out, I had went to the hospital and found out I had mono, however, about two weeks earlier I had my first unprotected sex encounter. After reading all the HIV and Mono symptoms- I am under the understanding that HIV can cause a false positive mono test? Is this true. Im worried now that even though my mono spot test came back positive that it might be HIV since the symptoms are so similiar. Please Help.

I really feel embarrassed for Star, the first answerer on this question.

How can you possibly believe that being married is the way to not spread STIs and STDs? The stigmas that have been put on HIV/AIDS make me sick.

In a lot of African countries (very HIV prevalent continent) where HIV/AIDS resources are limited, it's the married heterosexual males that are mainly spreading the disease. They give it to their partners due to lack of abstinence, being faithful and condom use (ABC). Women in Sub-Saharan African cities have very little say about their lives, especially their sex lives. Married men often stray (it's only natural) and have sex with other ladies in the community, especially sex workers. Without AIDS resources and lack of testing, people don't always know that they have the virus and they continue to pass it on because they don't practice safe sex.

Original asker : HIV will not give a false positive mono test. This test uses antibodies towards the virus that causes mono (Epstein Barr virus), and is pretty specific. It is possible that you could have both mono and HIV. You can get a rapid HIV test as well to put your mind at ease. If it comes back false, get another again in 3-6 months as sometimes, the virus isn't detectable at onset time. Always practice safe sex (Condoms!) and get tested regularly.

Mono is EXTREMELY common, HIV is not.

I know what you did, you looked up your mono symptoms on the internet and found out that Mono's symptoms are similar to HIV's symptoms. I did exactly the same thing, and was stunned and paranoid just as you.

The only test that can test for HIV is a HIV test. HIV will not give a false positive to a mono test.

To set your mind at ease, take a HIV test. You can choose from a PCR/DNA HIV test that can detect the virus from around two to three weeks after infection, or the ELISA which detects the virus three to six months after infection.

Welcome to the world of sex, STD screening is just a part of the game, it's something we all go through and must do.

Honestly, I really don't think you have too much to worry about. That is a very short space of time for it to be showing up in a blood test. Usually blood tests aren't taken until 6 weeks after exposure, but if you are worried go to a doctor and talk to them about it.