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Are Fever, Abdominal Cramps And Muscle Pain Signs Of Genital Herpes?
Question: Hello.
I am a 24 yr old female from the US traveling around Europe. I think I may have contracted genital herpes. Three days ago I was kissing a guy in a club. It didn't go further but maybe he touched me in some way? anyway, I have all the symptoms of it. A bright red rash appeared around my anus two days later with blisters. Third day I have a fever, abdomen cramps, really sore muscles and joint aches. I am traveling for another two months and dont have travel insurance. I don't know if I should see a doctor in Krakow Poland or how to do it without insurance where I am or if I can buy some drugs and wait it out. I have only ever had sex with one guy a year ago. maybe he gave it to me and it just emerged? I am so confused and lost as to what to do.
I am a 24 yr old female from the US traveling around Europe. I think I may have contracted genital herpes. Three days ago I was kissing a guy in a club. It didn't go further but maybe he touched me in some way? anyway, I have all the symptoms of it. A bright red rash appeared around my anus two days later with blisters. Third day I have a fever, abdomen cramps, really sore muscles and joint aches. I am traveling for another two months and dont have travel insurance. I don't know if I should see a doctor in Krakow Poland or how to do it without insurance where I am or if I can buy some drugs and wait it out. I have only ever had sex with one guy a year ago. maybe he gave it to me and it just emerged? I am so confused and lost as to what to do.
Brief Answer:
Discussion follows
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for your query.
You can develop Herpes labialis ( HSV1) from kissing but Herpes Genitals ( HSV2) is unlikely without a sexual contact.
I can give an opinion if you upload a picture of the lesions if you have them still.
Acyclovir cream locally or Acyclovir tablets orally will give relief if it's herpes.
Do get back to me if you have further questions.
Discussion follows
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for your query.
You can develop Herpes labialis ( HSV1) from kissing but Herpes Genitals ( HSV2) is unlikely without a sexual contact.
I can give an opinion if you upload a picture of the lesions if you have them still.
Acyclovir cream locally or Acyclovir tablets orally will give relief if it's herpes.
Do get back to me if you have further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
My camera isn't the best but here is the picture. it's mostly a red rash with a blistering, chafing sort of pain spread theoughout the crack. but my lymph nodes feel swollen, my hip joints ache, I'm fatigued and feverish, though the fever feeling died down earlier today and then started acting back up now. If I get that cream, can I get it without a prescription? Is it okay to not go to the hospital and treat it on my own for a few weeks under the assumption that it is HPV2? I also read about folliculitis so could it be that? I took an ibuprofen tablet today and bought some tea tree oil as I read that may help. My main concern is if it is Hpv2 I don't want it to escalate into later health issues by neglecting to get it checked out right away. Are there serious reprecussions by not getting it checked out if it is a primary hiv2 outbreak?
Brief Answer:
Treat as a perianal infection now.
Detailed Answer:
It's more like a perianal bacterial infection. You could try using a local antibiotic cream like Bactroban and tablets of Ciprofloxacin and Metronidazole.
If it responds, you would not require to do any further test immediately. When you return to the US, you can be investigated further to exclude HIV infection, if you had unprotected sex 1 year ago and feel you could have been infected. Till then make sure that if you have any sexual contact, it is protected sex.
Take care
Treat as a perianal infection now.
Detailed Answer:
It's more like a perianal bacterial infection. You could try using a local antibiotic cream like Bactroban and tablets of Ciprofloxacin and Metronidazole.
If it responds, you would not require to do any further test immediately. When you return to the US, you can be investigated further to exclude HIV infection, if you had unprotected sex 1 year ago and feel you could have been infected. Till then make sure that if you have any sexual contact, it is protected sex.
Take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I tried to pick up the cream and tablets you suggested but they are only available by prescription. any over the counter creams and tablets you would recommend that could work similarly? also, should I wash the infected area with antibacterial soap?
Brief Answer:
OTC antibiotic policy differs from country to country.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back and sorry for the delay in replying as I was traveling.
Different countries have different policies regarding antibiotics. A friendly pharmacist in the place you are at , would be able to help you regarding the antibiotics and antiseptics you can buy OTC locally. Unless your lesions are becoming worse or you have fever, several antibiotics may help get over the infection.
If the lesions are increasing or you have fever or other systemic symptoms, please consult a doctor.
Hope you will get well soon.
OTC antibiotic policy differs from country to country.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back and sorry for the delay in replying as I was traveling.
Different countries have different policies regarding antibiotics. A friendly pharmacist in the place you are at , would be able to help you regarding the antibiotics and antiseptics you can buy OTC locally. Unless your lesions are becoming worse or you have fever, several antibiotics may help get over the infection.
If the lesions are increasing or you have fever or other systemic symptoms, please consult a doctor.
Hope you will get well soon.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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