Scared I may have HIV

[Hondata93]

I posted once before with another doctor he said that the symptoms I was having was not related to hiv, but I wanted a second opinion from Dr. HHH .. Here it goes, back in march of 09, I had unprotected sex with a female friend of mine, she had a full hystorectomy prior to this encounter, and said she was std free, but the more i think about it the more i dont trust her. This year my allergies were very bad, and I thought nothing of it, but since allergy season has been gone, i have still remained to have a stuffy nose and little dry cough, the mucos that comes out is usually clear sometimes white or light yellow, and i usually cough up the same, also I got little red dots (look like masquito bites or bug bites) and sometimes get infected hair follicles.. That is the only symptoms that I can really think of that Im really worried about, its been goin on since i had sex with her.. the lymph node inside my throat on my right side looks to be maybe a little swollen, but only can tell if i look in the mirror.. We only had sex the 1 time, and it was a quick session and I pulled out, but still know that i should have used protection (first time every going unprotected and maybe thats why im so paranoid), and know pulling out isnt effective. I ordered a rapid test from overseas due to not being able to get one in the states since they only sell the orasure to clinics. that test come back negative, but dont know how "truthful" that test actually is, is says 99.9 but I dont know since it isnt fda approved. what do you think about these symptoms, i ordered a Home Access kit and it is on its way, and going to send the blood specimen to the lab for a more dependable test result.  The red spots is really what bothers me, they are small (size of a pencil eraser) and last a day or 2 and go away, but they dont itch just come and go. I am an active 25 year old male amateur bodybuilder. Thanks.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Dr. Handsfield and I share both Forums. The reason we do this is becasue in over 30 years of working together, we do not disagree in our advice or recommendations to clients.  In addition, on both Forums you get an answer from either of us, depending on who picks up the questions but do not have an option for "second opinions".  

Your exposure was low risk, your symptoms are in no way suggestive of HIV and my advice to you is the same as it was when you asked these questions on the STD Forum.  The red spots you are concnerned about are due to something other than HIV.

I think testing is a fine idea for you but given your anxiety I would suggest you get tested by a health care professional, not using a home test.  Then you can tak with them about your concerns.  EWH

[Hondata93]

Thanks for clearing that up, i have decided to go to the health department tomorrow and have them do a full std screening. and one more thing.. do you think maybe the dry cough and stuffy nose is due to bronchitis? my barber had it a couple months ago, and said that he wasnt contagious but i dont know much about how contagious bronchitis is, does bronchitis cause a little discomfort (itchin) in chest along with dry cough , and could it cause a stuffy nose?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

It certainly could be. Bronchitis occurs commonly all year around and can becasued by respiratory viruses circulating in the community.  EWH