Concerns About HIV After High-Risk Behavior: Symptoms and Testing Explained

Concerned about being diagnosed with HIV?

I apologize for the interruption.
After engaging in high-risk behavior on October 6, I began experiencing a dry sore throat a week later.
After seeking medical attention, my condition improved until early November when I developed a high fever, cough, sputum, nasal congestion, runny nose, difficulty breathing, and lung pain.
After further consultation, my condition also improved, and the initial assessment by the physician was mycoplasma pneumonia.
I continued follow-up visits, and in November, I underwent an HIV test which returned negative.
In December, I had not fully recovered from a cold, and I noticed a white membrane in my mouth with blood streaks, along with white spots in my throat.
On December 12, I also had blood tests for sexually transmitted infections, all of which were negative.
While waiting for the results, I conducted self-testing, which was also negative.
During my visit, the doctor diagnosed me with an upper respiratory infection, stating that the cause of the white membrane was unknown, and the white spots in my throat were remnants of bacteria.
By January, the aforementioned symptoms persisted, including the white spots, white membrane, dry and itchy throat, sputum, and nasal congestion, which have not resolved.
I am concerned about the possibility of sexually transmitted infections, HIV, or pneumonia caused by Chlamydia.
Should I undergo another STI test in mid-January? I am very worried...

zero zero, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/01/06

Dr. Cai Zhuorong reply Urology

If there are any concerns, another blood test can be performed.

Reply Date: 2024/01/06

More Info

It sounds like you have been through a lot of stress and anxiety regarding your health after engaging in high-risk sexual behavior. It's important to address your concerns about HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in a clear and informative manner.

First, let's discuss the symptoms you've experienced. Symptoms such as sore throat, cough, nasal congestion, and fatigue can be associated with a variety of infections, including viral infections like the common cold or flu, bacterial infections, and even conditions like mycoplasma pneumonia, which your doctor initially suspected. While some of these symptoms can overlap with those of acute HIV infection, they are not definitive indicators of HIV.
Acute HIV infection can present with flu-like symptoms, including fever, sore throat, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes, typically occurring 2 to 4 weeks after exposure. However, many people do not experience any symptoms at all during this stage. The symptoms you described, particularly the prolonged nature of your throat issues and respiratory symptoms, suggest that there may be another underlying cause that is not related to HIV.

Regarding your testing, you mentioned that you had an HIV test that came back negative. It's important to understand that the window period for HIV testing can vary depending on the type of test used. The HIV Ag/Ab combo test is quite sensitive and can detect HIV infection as early as 14 days after exposure, but it is generally recommended to wait at least 4 to 6 weeks for more reliable results. Since you tested negative at 11 weeks post-exposure, it is highly unlikely that you are HIV positive, especially if you have not had any further high-risk exposures since then.

You also mentioned that you had a follow-up test in December that was negative. This further supports the conclusion that you are not infected with HIV. If you are still experiencing symptoms, it would be prudent to follow up with your healthcare provider to explore other potential causes, such as bacterial infections or other respiratory conditions.

As for your concerns about the white patches in your throat, these could be due to a variety of factors, including post-nasal drip, chronic irritation, or even a fungal infection like oral thrush, especially if you have been on antibiotics. It's essential to have a healthcare professional evaluate these symptoms to determine the appropriate treatment.

In summary, based on the information provided, it seems unlikely that you have contracted HIV, especially given your negative test results and the timeline of your symptoms. However, if you continue to experience health issues or have new concerns, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider who specializes in infectious diseases or a primary care physician. They can provide further testing and a thorough evaluation to address your ongoing symptoms and help alleviate your anxiety. Remember, open communication with your healthcare provider is key to managing your health effectively.

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