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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suffering From Persistent Cervical Lymphadenopathy. Have Sore Throat, Cough, Tongue Ulcers And Buccal Mucosa. Had Unprotected Sex. HIV Test Negative. What Should I Do?

Hi, I have persistent cervical lymphadenopathy with a sore throat and a minor non-productive cough. I get frequent apthous ulcers on my tongue and buccal mucosa (I quit smoking 1 year ago and have read that quitting smoking causes apthous ulcers), and I have large flaky dandruff if I scratch my scalp in certain areas. I had a protected vaginal but unprotected oral sex with a woman in Jan 2005 in Africa. I took an oral HIV test in the USA in April/May 2005 and it was Negative. I have read that the oral test detects antibodies to HIV 1 but not to HIV 2, which is more prevalent in Africa. The signs and symptoms im having now are making me very very scared. I went to medical school overseas but do not practice in the USA. Please guide me on what I should do? I have an apointment with an Internist on July 18th.
Fri, 27 Jul 2012
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi Ali,

Thanks for posting your query.

The oral HIV test usually tests for HIV-1 and HIV-2 both. If you are unsure about your HIV-2 status, then you may repeat the test again specifically asking for HIV-2 testing.

Oral HIV tests should be confirmed by blood tests. Your symptoms are non-specific and happen in most viral illnesses.

Please ask for a HIV-2 specific HIV test when you meet the internist and it is preferable to get the blood tested compared to getting your orals fluids checked for HIV.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
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Suffering From Persistent Cervical Lymphadenopathy. Have Sore Throat, Cough, Tongue Ulcers And Buccal Mucosa. Had Unprotected Sex. HIV Test Negative. What Should I Do?

Hi Ali, Thanks for posting your query. The oral HIV test usually tests for HIV-1 and HIV-2 both. If you are unsure about your HIV-2 status, then you may repeat the test again specifically asking for HIV-2 testing. Oral HIV tests should be confirmed by blood tests. Your symptoms are non-specific and happen in most viral illnesses. Please ask for a HIV-2 specific HIV test when you meet the internist and it is preferable to get the blood tested compared to getting your orals fluids checked for HIV. Hope this helps. Regards,