HIV Concerns: Symptoms, Risks, and Testing Insights

Concerns related to HIV?

Hello, doctor.
I previously asked you a question, and here is the content: Hello, I am a male.
On December 24, 2015, I had sexual intercourse with a woman I met online.
I touched her genital area with my hand, which had no cuts, and I performed oral sex with a condom.
Later, I had penetrative intercourse with a condom, but it slipped off after I lost my erection.
I withdrew and the condom did not come off, then I changed to a new condom and continued until we finished, and there were no tears in the condom.
Since then, I have been very anxious and worried, fearing that there might have been accidental friction before putting on the condom.
I would like to ask if there is a possibility of transmission in this situation.
Three days after the sexual encounter, I developed a sore throat and noticed ulcers in my mouth.
Upon examination with a flashlight, I found a sore in my throat that has not healed for many days, but I have not had a fever.
I have been very anxious and stressed, and I would like to ask the doctor about the likelihood of HIV transmission in this case.
I also noticed swelling in my lymph nodes and visited an ENT specialist, who said that the swollen lymph nodes were due to tonsillitis.
However, I also feel swelling in my axillary lymph nodes.
At that time, I only asked the doctor about the lymph nodes in my neck.
My symptoms include swollen lymph nodes that sometimes cause pain and muscle soreness, but I have not experienced any fever.
Two weeks after the sexual encounter, I underwent a fourth-generation ELISA test, and the result was negative.
However, due to the swollen lymph nodes, I have been very worried, but I have not had any fever.
I would like to ask the doctor if having HIV typically results in fever, and if fever is always persistent and high.
I have been very anxious and worried, and I don’t know what to do, so I am here to ask for your advice.
Thank you, Dr.
Lee.

xiang qing wen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/01/18

Dr. Li Yilun reply Urology

A physician's diagnosis requires a comprehensive assessment of symptoms, tests, and experience.
The most important thing you should do is to find a trusted physician for proper treatment and to avoid engaging in risky behaviors.
Prevention is better than treatment; otherwise, constantly worrying and raising numerous questions for reassurance may not help alleviate your concerns.
If you continue to experience unexplained fevers, please seek assistance from an infectious disease specialist.
If you have any issues, seek medical attention so that the physician can perform a physical examination and take a detailed history.

Reply Date: 2016/01/18

More Info

Understanding HIV concerns, especially regarding symptoms, risks, and testing, is crucial for anyone who may have been exposed to the virus. Based on your description, it appears you have experienced a range of symptoms and have undergone testing, which is a positive step toward understanding your health status.

Firstly, let's address the potential risk of HIV transmission from the sexual encounter you described. You mentioned that you engaged in oral sex and vaginal intercourse with a condom, which is a significant factor in reducing the risk of HIV transmission. The use of a condom during penetration is one of the most effective methods to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Even though you expressed concern about possible exposure during foreplay, the risk remains relatively low, especially since you did not have any visible cuts or wounds on your hands.

The symptoms you are experiencing, such as throat inflammation and swollen lymph nodes, can be associated with various conditions, including viral infections, bacterial infections, or even stress-related responses. It is important to note that while acute HIV infection can present with flu-like symptoms, not everyone will experience these symptoms, and they can vary widely among individuals. Common early symptoms of HIV may include fever, sore throat, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes, but these symptoms can also be indicative of other illnesses.

Regarding your concern about fever, it is not a definitive symptom of HIV infection. Some individuals may experience fever during the acute phase, while others may not. Additionally, the absence of fever does not rule out the possibility of HIV infection. The timeline of your symptoms is also important; symptoms of acute HIV infection typically appear 2 to 4 weeks after exposure, but this can vary.

You mentioned that you underwent an ELISA fourth-generation test two weeks after the potential exposure, and the result was negative. This is a good sign, as fourth-generation tests can detect both HIV antibodies and the p24 antigen, providing a more accurate result earlier than antibody-only tests. However, it is essential to understand that the window period for HIV testing can vary. While many people will test positive within 2 to 4 weeks, some may take longer to develop detectable antibodies. Therefore, it is recommended to follow up with additional testing at 3 months to confirm your status.

If you are experiencing ongoing anxiety about your health, it may be beneficial to speak with a healthcare professional who can provide further evaluation and support. They can also help address your concerns about the swollen lymph nodes and throat symptoms, which may require additional investigation to determine the underlying cause.

In summary, while your risk of HIV transmission appears to be low based on the precautions you took, it is essential to continue monitoring your health and follow up with testing as recommended. If you have further concerns or symptoms persist, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. Remember, maintaining open communication with healthcare providers is key to managing your health and alleviating anxiety related to potential HIV exposure.

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