Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Please Help!

I am really worried that I may be showing signs of Acute HIV infection. I'm a 20 year old male and exactly a month and a half ago I had unprotected sex with a female. About a week and a half after exposure I began to develop basic cold symptoms(sore throat, stuffy nose, and an "itchy" cough). Within 4 days the stuffy nose and cough subsided but the sore throat did not. It would seem to leave during the day and then return at night, the worst being in the morning. I then noticed small red bumps in the back of my throat. I went to the local health center and got a throat swab about 2 weeks after the symptoms developed and got a throat culture done. It initially came back negative, but then changed to positive for Strep Group C (uncommon in humans) a few days after the visit. I was prescribed Penicillin VK (500mg tablets) that I was to take 1 pill 3 times a day for 10 days. I did that for all ten days and finished the prescription 3 days ago, I've seen very little improvement, my throat doesn't seem to bother me much anymore, but the bumps are still there, and it does get dry/sore still sometimes at night/morning. I also think I have an enlarged lymph node on the left side of my neck, it's not terribly painful but I can feel it.

I'm really concerned that this is early signs of Acute HIV infection because I read the initial primary stage of HIV is asymptomatic and lasts 2-4 weeks (I didn't develop the cold symtpoms till about 2 weeks after exposure). I then red that common symptoms of Acute HIV infection are: fever, lymphadenopathy, pharyngitis, rash, myalgia, malaise, mouth and esophagal sores.

I've not had a fever but the Lymphadenopathy, pharyngitis, are spot on.

Can anyone tell me if this sounds like Acute HIV infection? And if I should be concerned? The female I had sex with claims to be clean, but one can never be certain. I'm also wondering if, since my cold symptoms developed right on the cusp (possibly sooner) than the 2-4 week window of the asymptomatic stage, this is even a possibility? Or am I merely just over analyzing and over reacting to the situation and it's just a coincidental infection?

Is it possible that even though the throat culture tested positive for Strep Group C, that it could have been mistaken for a symptom of HIV? Or does the result prove that the issue with my throat isn't STD related?

Thanks so much in advance.
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
I plan on getting tested at the 12 week period, just trying to determine if I'm overreacting to the whole thing.
Helpful - 0
1076192 tn?1270945528
Any HIV expert/counselor would advise you that HIV is not diagnosed on the basis of symptoms. The probability of HIV infection via single exposure to unprotected vaginal sex for the male is less risky than anal sex, but it still requires testing.

The only way to know for sure is to have an HIV test at 12 weeks post exposure. You could take a test at 6-8 weeks to put your mind at ease, but you'll have to retest at 12 weeks to get a conclusive result.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
You can't diagnose HIV through symptoms, get a test done at 3 months. :)
Also, I've read on this forum (and by the doctors) that Acute HIV infection does NOT include a stuffy nose, in most cases. One cannot diagnose a swollen lymph node correctly when not trained. Trust me, I've tried and failed!

Good luck to you!
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the HIV Prevention Community

Top HIV Answerers
366749 tn?1544695265
Karachi, Pakistan
370181 tn?1595629445
Arlington, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from surfaces, like toilet seats?
Can you get HIV from casual contact, like hugging?
Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.