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Lingering cold with swollen nodes
Had a encounter with prostitute (unprotected oral, protected viginal) 10 days later had bad head cold (sore throat, congestion, little head ache, no temp) and had painful sinus on left side only. Got on Amoxi right away but didn't hold too it real well. Finished after 12 days and was a little better. 2 days later got worse and my anxiety heated up. 8 days cold 2 1/2 weeks after encounter. I didn't tell the Doc of my encounter, but only that I had a lingering cold with sore throat and a little ear ache which had just started. The cold had seemed to shift all its force to the left side as was were the pain orginally started. He subscribe another antibotic, but I didn't start taking it as I also wanted to see if I could beat it on my own. At the Doc's I asked to be tested for HIV to boost my confidence, it came back negative but that was only 2wks 3 dys after potential exposure.
Three weeks since my enounter, I had the same problem and now swellowing in my neck on the left side. I started the antibotic. 1 day after starting meds I had tenderness under my armpit on the right side and a little bit on the left side. 5 days later I feel nothing on my left armpit and I have to work at feeling tenderness on my right armpit. My neck is not hurting but it looks like it could be a little swollen still. However, my cold or sinus infection is back on my left side and my eye has been watery for two days now. Today is my last day on the antibotic.
I thought if I was on the antibotic I couldn't get a sinus infection do I have HIV?
Why did my lymph nodes become tender on my armpits and left side of my neck is this a concern for HIV?
If I had HIV would my lymph nodes respond to the antibotic or would they stay swollen?
Coughed up green stuff this morning. Another Doc friend told me over the phone to get a TB xray. Come on, really?
Going Nuts! Help!
Three weeks since my enounter, I had the same problem and now swellowing in my neck on the left side. I started the antibotic. 1 day after starting meds I had tenderness under my armpit on the right side and a little bit on the left side. 5 days later I feel nothing on my left armpit and I have to work at feeling tenderness on my right armpit. My neck is not hurting but it looks like it could be a little swollen still. However, my cold or sinus infection is back on my left side and my eye has been watery for two days now. Today is my last day on the antibotic.
I thought if I was on the antibotic I couldn't get a sinus infection do I have HIV?
Why did my lymph nodes become tender on my armpits and left side of my neck is this a concern for HIV?
If I had HIV would my lymph nodes respond to the antibotic or would they stay swollen?
Coughed up green stuff this morning. Another Doc friend told me over the phone to get a TB xray. Come on, really?
Going Nuts! Help!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the HIV forum.
This doesn't sound much like an HIV infection. They are perfectly typical for a garden vareity respiratory virus, which of course is hundreds of times more likely than HIV. And acute HIV infection (usually called acute retroviral syndrome, or ARS) doens't cause nasal congestion, does not cause phllgm to be coughted up, and it almost always causes fever. The antibiotics made no difference because no virus gets better with antibiotics. Your respiratory infection, not HIV, undoubtedly explains the inflamed lymph nodes in your neck, and I doubt the armpit pain means anything. Finally, you had condom protected sex and it is unlikely your commercial partner had HIV; and oral sex carries no significant risk for HIV transmission.
Tuberculosis indeed can cause phlegm to be coughed up, but this situation is like HIV: of all people with such symptoms, the vast majoriy just have a minor bronchial infection, not TB.
Putting togther both the nature of your exposure and your symptoms, the chance you caught HIV is virtually zero, low enough that from a medical perspective, you really don't even need testing for it. However, I recommend you be tested anyway. If you're like most people with such concerns, my words will not calm your fears -- you'll feel a lot better after a negative HIV test result.
So I suggest you return to your doctor, give full information about your sexual exposure, then follow his or her advice about testing. Or if your respiratory symptoms are clearing up, you could visit your local health department or other testing center for independent HIV testing. You can definitely expect negative results.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
This doesn't sound much like an HIV infection. They are perfectly typical for a garden vareity respiratory virus, which of course is hundreds of times more likely than HIV. And acute HIV infection (usually called acute retroviral syndrome, or ARS) doens't cause nasal congestion, does not cause phllgm to be coughted up, and it almost always causes fever. The antibiotics made no difference because no virus gets better with antibiotics. Your respiratory infection, not HIV, undoubtedly explains the inflamed lymph nodes in your neck, and I doubt the armpit pain means anything. Finally, you had condom protected sex and it is unlikely your commercial partner had HIV; and oral sex carries no significant risk for HIV transmission.
Tuberculosis indeed can cause phlegm to be coughed up, but this situation is like HIV: of all people with such symptoms, the vast majoriy just have a minor bronchial infection, not TB.
Putting togther both the nature of your exposure and your symptoms, the chance you caught HIV is virtually zero, low enough that from a medical perspective, you really don't even need testing for it. However, I recommend you be tested anyway. If you're like most people with such concerns, my words will not calm your fears -- you'll feel a lot better after a negative HIV test result.
So I suggest you return to your doctor, give full information about your sexual exposure, then follow his or her advice about testing. Or if your respiratory symptoms are clearing up, you could visit your local health department or other testing center for independent HIV testing. You can definitely expect negative results.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
Thanks Again your great!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Anytime after 6 weeks is completely reliable. Being 3 days short of 8 weeks makes no difference.
The reported guesstimate of risk, reported by CDC, is for exposure to known infected persons. The figures are 1 chance in 10,000 for penile to oral transmission, if the penile partner has HIV, and 1 in 20,000 in the other direction, if the oral partner has HIV. They are based on interviewing HIV positive persons about their sexual exposures in the past year, then back-calculating based on estimates of HIV prevalence in similar persons in the community. As will be readily apparent, the results are very rough -- largely based on patients' memories, and recognizing that some overtly lie when asked some questions. The resulting biases probably elevate the risks by oral sex -- i.e. the real risks probably are even lower than these. Some experts believe oral to penile transmission never happens.
You weren't at risk and the test result proves you weren't infected. That will be all for this thread.
The reported guesstimate of risk, reported by CDC, is for exposure to known infected persons. The figures are 1 chance in 10,000 for penile to oral transmission, if the penile partner has HIV, and 1 in 20,000 in the other direction, if the oral partner has HIV. They are based on interviewing HIV positive persons about their sexual exposures in the past year, then back-calculating based on estimates of HIV prevalence in similar persons in the community. As will be readily apparent, the results are very rough -- largely based on patients' memories, and recognizing that some overtly lie when asked some questions. The resulting biases probably elevate the risks by oral sex -- i.e. the real risks probably are even lower than these. Some experts believe oral to penile transmission never happens.
You weren't at risk and the test result proves you weren't infected. That will be all for this thread.
Hello HHH and whomever may read this thread,
My results are back and I am HIV negative after 54 days since concerned exposure. After Dr. HHH's response I really felt a immediate peace that all was well, but everytime I had some little pain or uncomforttable feeling I immediately began dwelling on it, wondering if I had HIV or something. I took a test 18 days after my exposure and it was negative. Now 54 days later I am still negative. Yet I had felt sure in the beginning I must have HIV!
For me the HIV testing was so stressful. However, my concerns that I might be HIV positive became more stressful than the stress of taking the test. The not knowing finally outwieghed the knowing. I read something Dr. HHH wrote to someone else; if you are HIV positive it will not change by delaying your testing, so get tested. That was good for me.
Let me encourage everyone that it can feel embarrassing and stressful, but the medical workers I went too were very kind and helpful, no snickering or eye looks. It was so worth it. Get tested! It can be hard but it is worth knowing one way or another.
Thank you Dr. HHH for your encouragement and assistance not to me alone but to all those on the forum. I believe your an outstanding expert. You help many who are being overwhelmed with anxiety due to the; "what if's" symptoms. As a result your counsel kept my feet on the ground by communicating facts and weeding out the emotional stresses! Just what one needs during this time.
Closing question: I was 3 days shy from being a full 8 weeks since my concern contact or exposure. I recall your recommendation is normally a full 8 weeks. However, my travel schedule would not have allow me to get tested very easily again for some time. I felt what is three days? Would you agree this test is sufficient and we can close this thread at this time?
Also, general question; You hve written that it is like 10,000 to 1 to get HIV from Oral Sex. I agree that is like impossible, but i was curious as some other might be as well. Is that stat based on someone who was HIV Positive giving or recieving to someone who was HIV Negative or just a general stat.
Much Appreciation!
My results are back and I am HIV negative after 54 days since concerned exposure. After Dr. HHH's response I really felt a immediate peace that all was well, but everytime I had some little pain or uncomforttable feeling I immediately began dwelling on it, wondering if I had HIV or something. I took a test 18 days after my exposure and it was negative. Now 54 days later I am still negative. Yet I had felt sure in the beginning I must have HIV!
For me the HIV testing was so stressful. However, my concerns that I might be HIV positive became more stressful than the stress of taking the test. The not knowing finally outwieghed the knowing. I read something Dr. HHH wrote to someone else; if you are HIV positive it will not change by delaying your testing, so get tested. That was good for me.
Let me encourage everyone that it can feel embarrassing and stressful, but the medical workers I went too were very kind and helpful, no snickering or eye looks. It was so worth it. Get tested! It can be hard but it is worth knowing one way or another.
Thank you Dr. HHH for your encouragement and assistance not to me alone but to all those on the forum. I believe your an outstanding expert. You help many who are being overwhelmed with anxiety due to the; "what if's" symptoms. As a result your counsel kept my feet on the ground by communicating facts and weeding out the emotional stresses! Just what one needs during this time.
Closing question: I was 3 days shy from being a full 8 weeks since my concern contact or exposure. I recall your recommendation is normally a full 8 weeks. However, my travel schedule would not have allow me to get tested very easily again for some time. I felt what is three days? Would you agree this test is sufficient and we can close this thread at this time?
Also, general question; You hve written that it is like 10,000 to 1 to get HIV from Oral Sex. I agree that is like impossible, but i was curious as some other might be as well. Is that stat based on someone who was HIV Positive giving or recieving to someone who was HIV Negative or just a general stat.
Much Appreciation!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Read my replies and draw your own conclusions. I shouldn't have to spell it out for you.
I did have a test done after 18 days of exposure, but your suggesting to go a head and get another but expect a negative?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
If your commercial sex partner immigrated legally from Haiti, she was tested for HIV and almost certainly negative. If she is undocumented, that would raise the risk she has HIV. But it's still unlikely, and you had protected/safe sex.
A sore tongue does not sound like a symptom of HIV and for sure HIV doesn't cause acne to become more severe -- and not enough time has passed for you to have infected your partner and her to have symptoms.
I recommended HIV testing and explained why. Feel free to post your result, but there is no point in continued speculation until you do that -- so I won't have any further comments until then.
A sore tongue does not sound like a symptom of HIV and for sure HIV doesn't cause acne to become more severe -- and not enough time has passed for you to have infected your partner and her to have symptoms.
I recommended HIV testing and explained why. Feel free to post your result, but there is no point in continued speculation until you do that -- so I won't have any further comments until then.
Hello, Dr HHH,
Since your last email I through out the thought of HIV and immediately had a lot of peace. I didn't go and get another test as I was feeling so comfortable. But now I am concerned again. Just a couple of quick questions;
1. Does the risk factors change if the Prost was from Haiti?
2. Have had a sre tongue for about five weeks now, It has been 8 weeks since my exposure.
3. My lady partner is complaining about abnormal facial breakouts that are deep. Is this a early sign or symptom of HIV?
4. Do you think I should get a test for me or because I should due to exposure?
Thanks for your comments
Thanks also SonofSun for your comments.
Since your last email I through out the thought of HIV and immediately had a lot of peace. I didn't go and get another test as I was feeling so comfortable. But now I am concerned again. Just a couple of quick questions;
1. Does the risk factors change if the Prost was from Haiti?
2. Have had a sre tongue for about five weeks now, It has been 8 weeks since my exposure.
3. My lady partner is complaining about abnormal facial breakouts that are deep. Is this a early sign or symptom of HIV?
4. Do you think I should get a test for me or because I should due to exposure?
Thanks for your comments
Thanks also SonofSun for your comments.
I am experiencing similar symptoms and am going through a major scare myself. My sexual encounter was also similar, unprotected oral and protected vaginal. The main problem is a sore throat and sensitive glands that have lasted four and a half weeks now. I have not experienced any cold symptoms. No cough or congestion, just what feels like sore glands. Other symptoms that come and go are slight pain on the neck, inner thighs, and around armpit. I've seen three health care providers and spoken with a few HIV+ friends. I've described the encounter and they all suggest that I am fine. I was given a CBC test also and that came back normal as well.
I'm completely understanding what you are going through, and it's not easy to deal with. I know there is something wrong with my body yet every result comes back negative. The partner I was with may have also hinted at HIV infection, but I do not keep in contact with her anymore. I'm at the 6 week mark now so I will be retesting tomorrow. Good luck to both of us.
I'm completely understanding what you are going through, and it's not easy to deal with. I know there is something wrong with my body yet every result comes back negative. The partner I was with may have also hinted at HIV infection, but I do not keep in contact with her anymore. I'm at the 6 week mark now so I will be retesting tomorrow. Good luck to both of us.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Many viral infections last a long time; or there could be a bacterial superinfection not responding to amoxicillin. Or you have mononucleosis or something similar. All those are much more likely than HIV.
Not knowing the cause, I cannot advise about what to expect. Return to your doctor (your main provider, not your friend) and follow his or her advice. Be up front about your sexual exposures.
Not knowing the cause, I cannot advise about what to expect. Return to your doctor (your main provider, not your friend) and follow his or her advice. Be up front about your sexual exposures.
Thank you Dr HHH,
Thank you for your comments and perspective, very helpful and encouraging but the thing that has got me confused is how a viral infection could last so long? Surely that isn't normal. I have not had a fever just this constant fight with congestion, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. I actually do not have a regular health care person. I have friend that is a Doctor who suggested the TB test, but I thought that was way off.
So, how long should I expect to fight this viral infection? Anything besides vitimins that I can do since it isn't HIV.
Thank you for your comments and perspective, very helpful and encouraging but the thing that has got me confused is how a viral infection could last so long? Surely that isn't normal. I have not had a fever just this constant fight with congestion, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. I actually do not have a regular health care person. I have friend that is a Doctor who suggested the TB test, but I thought that was way off.
So, how long should I expect to fight this viral infection? Anything besides vitimins that I can do since it isn't HIV.
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