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Does HIV Cause Fever, Occasional Cough, Sore Throat, Body Pain And Tiredness?
Question: Hello Doctor, I had unprotected oral sex around 20 days back with a stranger and I dont know her HIV status! Now, from the past 2 days, I have slight fever , occasional cough, sore throat, body pain similar to what you would get if you had fever, a bit of tiredness and pain in my right hand near the sholder and joint. this pain was something that I had slightly before this incident also. Now I have started taking medicines and feeling better though not completely alright. I have had a history of frequent cold and sore throat problems. Should I be worried about being contacted with HIV AIDS? Is there any test that I can get done immediately and know if I have HIV? Or is waiting for 4 to 6 months mandatory to know if I have AIDS? Pls help me out as im really worried! Thank You!
Brief Answer:
Yes HIV test recommended.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query at HCM.
I understand your concern and situation.
1.It seems you have acquired some respiratory viral infection. You just need to take rest, antipyretics, multivitamins, chlorhexidine gargle 5-6 times per day. If fever persists you may need prescription of antibiotics like erythromycin or levofloxacin. As far as HIV is concerned and you had sex with a stranger.
2. Yes you must be worried. There is always a possibility of HIV which can be only ruled out by tests.
3.The earliest you can take a test is a HIV PCR after 6-7 weeks or ELISA for Antibodies and antigen(p24) which is a combo test which can be done after 12 weeks. But a confirmatory test will be required again after 3-6 months.
4. Till then use barrier methods for intercourse or be in monogamy with a trusted partner.
5. Eat healthy and protein rich balanced diet with multivitamins and calcium supplements.
Take care.
Hope I answered your query.
If no clarifications then you can close the discussion and rate the answer.
Dr. Sheetal Verma
Yes HIV test recommended.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query at HCM.
I understand your concern and situation.
1.It seems you have acquired some respiratory viral infection. You just need to take rest, antipyretics, multivitamins, chlorhexidine gargle 5-6 times per day. If fever persists you may need prescription of antibiotics like erythromycin or levofloxacin. As far as HIV is concerned and you had sex with a stranger.
2. Yes you must be worried. There is always a possibility of HIV which can be only ruled out by tests.
3.The earliest you can take a test is a HIV PCR after 6-7 weeks or ELISA for Antibodies and antigen(p24) which is a combo test which can be done after 12 weeks. But a confirmatory test will be required again after 3-6 months.
4. Till then use barrier methods for intercourse or be in monogamy with a trusted partner.
5. Eat healthy and protein rich balanced diet with multivitamins and calcium supplements.
Take care.
Hope I answered your query.
If no clarifications then you can close the discussion and rate the answer.
Dr. Sheetal Verma
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
thank you doctor for your advise. I assume HIV PCR tests are done at reputed labs in XXXXXXX too right? Apart from flu like symptoms is there any other symptom that I should look out for, which could give an indication of being infected? Is there any precautionary medicines that I need to take or cpuld take, apart from the multivitamin tablets?
Brief Answer:
HIV PCR or Combo ELISA test. No medicines.
Detailed Answer:
Well come back.
1. Yes you must get tested from reputed laboratory.
2. The initial symptoms of HIV are similar to any other respiratory viral illness. So clinically cannot be diagnosed.
3. HIV PCR is the test which can determine the infection at earliest. If it is not available in your vicinity. You can get HIV combo test done after 12 weeks.
4. No need to take any medicines. Anti retroviral drugs are started only if patient is found to be positive.
Best of health
HIV PCR or Combo ELISA test. No medicines.
Detailed Answer:
Well come back.
1. Yes you must get tested from reputed laboratory.
2. The initial symptoms of HIV are similar to any other respiratory viral illness. So clinically cannot be diagnosed.
3. HIV PCR is the test which can determine the infection at earliest. If it is not available in your vicinity. You can get HIV combo test done after 12 weeks.
4. No need to take any medicines. Anti retroviral drugs are started only if patient is found to be positive.
Best of health
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
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