HIV Acute Infection Symptoms: What You Need to Know

Q: HIV Acute Infection Symptoms: What You Need to Know

Hello： The diagnosis of HIV cannot be determined based solely on symptoms. <br>Given your concerns, you should get re-tested, as a negative HIV test on March 21 does not guarantee that you were not infected prior to that date, especially if you were in the window period. <br>Addi

Is it a symptom of acute HIV infection?

Hello Doctor, here is the sequence of events and my questions: I understand that symptoms alone cannot be used to speculate whether I have contracted HIV.
It has not yet been 12 weeks since the exposure, but I feel quite uneasy, so I hope to reduce my current psychological stress by inquiring online.
Before March 21, my HIV test was negative (I used to get tested regularly, so I am very confident that I am not infected).
On March 21, I had sexual intercourse with a woman, and although I used a condom for vaginal intercourse, I did not use a condom during oral sex, and I also performed oral sex on her, coming into contact with her vaginal secretions.
About a week after the sexual encounter, on March 28, I began to notice red spots on my skin.
The spots are red, flat, not raised or indented, not itchy or painful, and do not exceed 0.5 cm in diameter.
They are mostly found on the inner sides of both arms, but I have also seen them on my chest and legs, with no appearance on my palms or soles.
The number of spots appearing at the same time usually does not exceed 10 or is even lower.
They disappear within one to two days without leaving any trace.
Starting from April 12, I began experiencing diarrhea-like symptoms (watery stools, not exceeding four times a day).
From April 15, my ear temperature started to rise, beginning at 36 degrees Celsius in the morning and gradually climbing to a maximum of around 37.5 degrees Celsius, plus or minus 1-2 degrees.
By noon, my ear temperature would typically reach this level, sometimes dropping in the evening or returning to normal the next morning.
Additionally, when my ear temperature peaked, my axillary temperature measured with an electronic thermometer remained within the normal range, showing no signs of elevation.
(All temperature measurements were taken with an infrared ear thermometer).
On the morning of April 22, I woke up with a sore throat, which resolved the next day, transitioning to nasal congestion and runny nose.
The diarrhea-like symptoms ceased on April 24.
By April 25, the elevated ear temperature symptoms had disappeared.
On April 25, I sought medical attention for the symptoms from April 22 and was diagnosed with upper respiratory tract and bronchial inflammation.
On May 3, I experienced a sensation of heaviness in my body that lasted for 2 to 3 days.
As of May 31, I have not experienced any other symptoms, but the skin red spots continue to appear.
Given that I only had oral contact with vaginal secretions, is this considered high-risk behavior? Are my symptoms indicative of acute HIV infection? I am very scared; please help me, Doctor.

Qingting, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/06/01

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: The diagnosis of HIV cannot be determined based solely on symptoms.
Given your concerns, you should get re-tested, as a negative HIV test on March 21 does not guarantee that you were not infected prior to that date, especially if you were in the window period.
Additionally, it is advisable to get tested for syphilis as well.
Please pay attention to safe sexual practices (you can check online at http://www.tpech.gov.taipei/ct.asp?xItem=665292&ctNode=14312&mp=109231).
If your partner has HIV or other sexually transmitted infections, oral contact with their vaginal secretions can be very risky.
The symptoms you mentioned after two months could also be due to a respiratory infection or another sexually transmitted infection.
Until you have undergone testing and received a definitive diagnosis, no one can determine what illness you may have.

Reply Date: 2017/06/01

More Info

Understanding the symptoms of acute HIV infection is crucial for anyone who has engaged in high-risk behaviors. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a range of symptoms that can be concerning, especially given your recent sexual encounter. Let's break down the information you provided and clarify some important points regarding HIV infection and its symptoms.

High-Risk Behaviors and HIV Transmission
First, it is important to understand what constitutes high-risk behavior for HIV transmission. Engaging in unprotected sexual activities, such as vaginal or anal intercourse without a condom, is considered high-risk. Oral sex, while generally lower risk than penetrative sex, can still pose a risk, particularly if there are cuts or sores in the mouth or if the partner has a high viral load. In your case, you mentioned that you had oral contact with vaginal secretions, which can potentially expose you to HIV if the partner is infected.

Symptoms of Acute HIV Infection
Acute HIV infection typically occurs within 2 to 4 weeks after exposure to the virus. During this period, many individuals experience flu-like symptoms, which can include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Rash
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Muscle aches
The symptoms you described, such as the appearance of red spots on your skin, fever, and gastrointestinal issues, could potentially align with acute HIV infection. However, these symptoms are also common in many other viral infections, making it difficult to attribute them solely to HIV.

The Importance of Testing
Given that you have engaged in a high-risk behavior and are experiencing symptoms, it is crucial to get tested for HIV. The window period for HIV tests can vary depending on the type of test used. Most standard antibody tests can take 2 to 8 weeks to detect HIV, while combination tests (which detect both antibodies and the p24 antigen) can provide accurate results as early as 2 to 4 weeks post-exposure.
Since you mentioned that your last HIV test was negative before the encounter, it is advisable to get retested. If you test negative within the first month, it is recommended to follow up with another test after three months to ensure that you are not in the window period where the virus may not yet be detectable.

Psychological Impact and Support
It is completely normal to feel anxious and fearful after a potential exposure to HIV, especially when experiencing symptoms. The psychological burden can be significant, and it is important to seek support from healthcare providers, counselors, or support groups who can help you navigate these feelings.

Conclusion
In summary, while some of your symptoms may align with those of acute HIV infection, they are not definitive indicators of HIV. The only way to confirm your status is through testing. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider who can guide you through the testing process and provide appropriate support. Remember, early detection and treatment can significantly improve health outcomes for those living with HIV. Please take care of yourself and seek the necessary medical attention.

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