Symptoms After Intimate Encounters: When to Seek Medical Help

Q: Symptoms After Intimate Encounters: When to Seek Medical Help

Dear readers： <br>1. <br>Regarding the question, "I have two areas of broken skin on my foot; could the hotel be the source of infection?" A： If it was oral sex, the wounds on your foot are not related to sexually transmitted infections. <br>Just ensure proper wound care.<br>2. <

This symptom is somewhat severe..?

Hello Dr.
Liao, on October 10th, I went to a hotel with my girlfriend for the first time.
The bathroom was dry, and we took about 40 minutes before using the toilet.
That day, I did not have an erection or penetration, but I did use my tongue to lick my girlfriend's genitals.
Starting on October 16th, I began to feel fatigued and weak.
On October 17th, I had a slight fever, with temperatures fluctuating between 36.8°C and 37.4°C in the morning and evening.
On October 18th, I experienced muscle weakness in my back and spine, a swollen throat, and nausea.
By October 21st, the aforementioned symptoms were still present (intermittently).
Am I infected with a disease? I would like to ask the doctor a few questions: 1.
I had two areas of broken skin on my feet that I picked at; could the hotel be the source of infection? 2.
Given these symptoms, should I be concerned about having an infection? 3.
Since it has been less than two weeks since the incident, should I first visit an infectious disease specialist, or should I go to a medical laboratory to pay for an RT-PCR test?

Li Zhongming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/10/21

Dr. Liao Zhongxin reply Internal Medicine

Dear readers:
1.
Regarding the question, "I have two areas of broken skin on my foot; could the hotel be the source of infection?" A: If it was oral sex, the wounds on your foot are not related to sexually transmitted infections.
Just ensure proper wound care.
2.
Concerning the question, "Since 10/16, I have been feeling fatigued and weak, with a slight fever on 10/17 (fluctuating between 36.8°C and 37.4°C).
On 10/18, I experienced muscle weakness in my back, a sore throat, and nausea.
The symptoms have persisted (waxing and waning) until 10/21.
Am I sick?" A: The definition of a fever is an ear temperature greater than 37.3°C.
Generally, for mild fever, it is advisable to rest, stay hydrated, and manage your health (monitor your temperature morning and evening, and check for cough).
3.
Regarding the question, "Since it has been less than two weeks since the incident, should I first visit an infectious disease specialist or go to a medical laboratory for a self-paid RT-PCR test?" A: There is a window period for syphilis and HIV infections, which are two to three weeks and three to six months, respectively.
If you have concerns, it is recommended to visit a nearby healthcare facility to assess whether it is a general issue or if you need anonymous screening.
Thank you!

Reply Date: 2016/10/21

More Info

It's understandable to feel anxious after an intimate encounter, especially when experiencing symptoms that could indicate an infection. Let's break down your concerns and provide some guidance on what steps to take next.

1. Possible Infection Sources: You mentioned having two areas of broken skin on your feet during your encounter. While the risk of infection from a hotel environment is generally low, it is possible for bacteria or viruses to enter through broken skin. If the surfaces were contaminated, there could be a risk, but this is not the most common route for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The primary concern would be the exposure to bodily fluids, which can transmit infections.

2. Symptoms and Their Implications: The symptoms you are experiencing—fatigue, low-grade fever, muscle weakness, sore throat, and nausea—can be associated with a variety of conditions, including viral infections, bacterial infections, or even stress and anxiety related to your encounter. While these symptoms can be indicative of an STI, they are not definitive. Many STIs can be asymptomatic or present with mild symptoms that could easily be attributed to other illnesses.
3. When to Seek Medical Help: Given that your symptoms have persisted for over a week, it is advisable to seek medical attention. You should consider visiting a healthcare provider who specializes in infectious diseases or a general practitioner who can evaluate your symptoms. They can perform a physical examination and may recommend specific tests based on your symptoms and history.
- Testing: If you are concerned about STIs, it is important to get tested. Many clinics offer STI testing, and some tests can be done through a simple blood draw or urine sample. If you are particularly worried about COVID-19 or other viral infections, a PCR test may be appropriate, but it is best to discuss this with a healthcare provider first.

4. Next Steps: When you visit a healthcare provider, be sure to provide them with a complete history of your symptoms, the nature of your encounter, and any other relevant health information. This will help them determine the best course of action, including which tests to perform.
In summary, while your symptoms could be concerning, they are not definitive indicators of an STI or other serious condition. However, given the duration and nature of your symptoms, seeking medical advice is the best course of action. Early intervention can help address any potential infections and provide peace of mind. Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health.

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