HIV Onset Symptom, Swollen Salivary Glands / Sore Cheeks

Hi There,

Just a quick question for those of you who have gone through ARS or know a lot about it.

I find mixed reports online reporting that swollen salivary glands / sore cheeks are frequently an early indicator of HIV infection?

Did any of you experience this as part of your HIV onset?

[worreidguy]

I haven't gone through any of ARS symptoms but I have some knowledge that swollen salivary glands and sore cheeks are not HIV symptoms.....they are most likely dehydration or bacterial infection. I would say dehydration.

[Teak]

HIV has no specific symptoms and HIV is never diagnosed by symptoms. If you have had an exposure you can obtain your conclusive negative test result 3 months post exposure.

[anonandanxious]

Hi Teak,

I understand, I'm just trying to understand whether others have experienced the sore cheeks / swollen salivary glands as part of their HIV onset / infection.

Have you ever experienced that?

[Teak]

I didn't experience any symptoms what so ever.

[anonandanxious]

Interesting.   May I ask what it's been like living with HIV?  Have the antivirals made it very manageable?  Are you able to have a family?

I don't mean to introduce to any extent -- only trying to understand.

[Teak]

It's not been a walk in the park. Anitvirals let you survive that's about it. You will never feel like you did when you were negative.

[anonandanxious]

Sorry to hear that Teak.

I'm very worried myself and waiting (anxiously) for the 3 month mark.  Is it literally definite @ 12 weeks, meaning if I go in 12 weeks + 1 day to get the test, I can rest assured that whatever result I receive will be conclusive?

[Teak]

You never had an exposure HIV is not transmitted by oral sex.

HIV is transmitted by;
Unprotected penetrative anal and/or vaginal sex
Sharing works with other IV drug abusers
Mother to child

[anonandanxious]

I understand this.  The issue is that I'm not positive that there wasn't a brief, unprotected insertion.   I fear that may have happened, which may or may not explain the recent health issues I've had.

Thanks again for all your information, and I totally understand that my risk is negligible.