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How Can Shingles Be Diagnosed?
Hi doctor, Just worried about something. I have a coworker who has hiv. Only recently I came to know about his infection. He has shingles all over his body. For the past few days I have been feeling extremely tired and I have an itchy rash on my neck. I also have a cough and sore throat. What are my chances of getting hiv from a co-worker? I don t remember having any kind of infectious contact with him. But we have shared drinks and worked together. Should I get tested?
Fri, 4 May 2018
Hello,
1. The diagnosis of shingles is based upon the classic symptom of a rash that turns into itchy, fluid-filled blisters that eventually turn into scabs. The rash may first show up on the face, chest, and back then spread to the rest of the body,
Other symptoms that may begin to appear 1-2 days before rash include fever, headache, tiredness, and loss of appetite.
Based on the history given you seem to be suffering from shingles apparently got infected from your coworker.
2. HIV infection is most commonly transmitted through sex, sharing needle or syringe, blood transfusion or from mother to child during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding.
You can’t get HIV from consuming food handled or shared by an HIV-infected person. Even if the food contained small amounts of HIV-infected blood, exposure to the air, heat from cooking, and stomach acid would destroy the virus.
So, there's no need to get tested for HIV, however, you should consult your doctor to get examined and treated for shingles.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali
1. The diagnosis of shingles is based upon the classic symptom of a rash that turns into itchy, fluid-filled blisters that eventually turn into scabs. The rash may first show up on the face, chest, and back then spread to the rest of the body,
Other symptoms that may begin to appear 1-2 days before rash include fever, headache, tiredness, and loss of appetite.
Based on the history given you seem to be suffering from shingles apparently got infected from your coworker.
2. HIV infection is most commonly transmitted through sex, sharing needle or syringe, blood transfusion or from mother to child during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding.
You can’t get HIV from consuming food handled or shared by an HIV-infected person. Even if the food contained small amounts of HIV-infected blood, exposure to the air, heat from cooking, and stomach acid would destroy the virus.
So, there's no need to get tested for HIV, however, you should consult your doctor to get examined and treated for shingles.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali
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