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STDs (Expert Forum)
Flu Like Symptoms Added to Initial 'Symptoms'
Answered by
University of Washington
Seattle - WA
Welcome to the STD Forum, which is intended only for questions and support pertaining to sexually transmitted diseases other than HIV/AIDS, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, human papillomavirus, genital warts, trichomonas, other vaginal infections, nongonoccal urethritis (NGU), cervicitis, molluscum contagiosum, chancroid, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). All questions will be answered by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D. or Edward W Hook, MD.
Flu Like Symptoms Added to Initial 'Symptoms'
by nervous1helpneeded, Jul 31, 2006 12:00AM
Dr. (My friend and I have found your forum to be extremely helpful, spread the word to many!!)
I posted a message titled "Herpes Scare?" on 7/21. I had intense itching in my "upper butt crack" area, dry skin in that area with white flaky borders, and a couple of raised bumps, and 1 red one that was in the skin. This was 22-23 days post encounter which was less than 1 minute unprotected vaginal and a short unprotected oral session. This itching lasted 1.5 weeks, then everything gradually feeling better, but I still itch in this area and yesterday it got worse again. Your response was it didn't sound like herpes, (onset timing was longer than usual, location for initial was unuasual, and itching length of time was unusual), but more likley a yeast overgrowth caused by all the antibiotics. (2 doses of azithro, 1 7 day dose of levo, and 1 2 gram dose of flagyl) (also 10 day course of valtrex) all given by dr, just in case. I have an appointment scheduled on Wednesday (6 weeks post encounter) with my Dr to check on everything and do the bloodtests. However, I want to make sure I bring up everything in this appointment since I travel globally and will not be able to get back in town if followup is needed.
New addition!!! Flu like symptoms- at the 5 week mark (last wednesday) i started feeling pain in my back and very tired. Today and the last 2 days, I have been tired, muscle aches, but mainly I feel really "foggy" in my head, with mild headaches and can't sleep. NO FEVER. In the morning it is not so bad, but by 4:00pm or so I feel really bad and irritated. I have had diarrhea since I started taking the antibiotics.(5 days post exposure) (I have not been sick for 3-4 years at all). Questions to make sure I cover everything with my Dr.
1)Flu like symptoms - when do they usually occur during a primary herpes outbreak in relation to bumps/sores? Mine started 5 weeks after the encounter, and about 6 days after the rash/itching/bumps in my buttocks crack became noticable. Does the addition of these flu like symptoms change your view that my bumps/itching doesn't sound at all like herpes?
2) Yeast Overgrowth - If this is indeed the cause of my symptoms (as you said is a possibility), would that perhaps cause these flu like symptoms? I read here that candidas could be caused by antibiotics use and does indeed sometimes cause flu like symptoms as well. Is that possible or likely?
3) I hate to even bring this up, but does my flu like symptoms and the addition of the itching and dry skin etc. sound anything like initial HIV issues? 5 weeks post encounter sounds like too much time, but want to get your opinion please?
4) I have been avoiding sex with my wife b/c I fear what I have may be herpes. I will do the testing to make sure at the exact 6 week mark on Wednesday. However, the results will take some time, and wanted to get your opinion on the herpes possibility based on the new flu like symptom information.
Thanks again for the follow-up!
I posted a message titled "Herpes Scare?" on 7/21. I had intense itching in my "upper butt crack" area, dry skin in that area with white flaky borders, and a couple of raised bumps, and 1 red one that was in the skin. This was 22-23 days post encounter which was less than 1 minute unprotected vaginal and a short unprotected oral session. This itching lasted 1.5 weeks, then everything gradually feeling better, but I still itch in this area and yesterday it got worse again. Your response was it didn't sound like herpes, (onset timing was longer than usual, location for initial was unuasual, and itching length of time was unusual), but more likley a yeast overgrowth caused by all the antibiotics. (2 doses of azithro, 1 7 day dose of levo, and 1 2 gram dose of flagyl) (also 10 day course of valtrex) all given by dr, just in case. I have an appointment scheduled on Wednesday (6 weeks post encounter) with my Dr to check on everything and do the bloodtests. However, I want to make sure I bring up everything in this appointment since I travel globally and will not be able to get back in town if followup is needed.
New addition!!! Flu like symptoms- at the 5 week mark (last wednesday) i started feeling pain in my back and very tired. Today and the last 2 days, I have been tired, muscle aches, but mainly I feel really "foggy" in my head, with mild headaches and can't sleep. NO FEVER. In the morning it is not so bad, but by 4:00pm or so I feel really bad and irritated. I have had diarrhea since I started taking the antibiotics.(5 days post exposure) (I have not been sick for 3-4 years at all). Questions to make sure I cover everything with my Dr.
1)Flu like symptoms - when do they usually occur during a primary herpes outbreak in relation to bumps/sores? Mine started 5 weeks after the encounter, and about 6 days after the rash/itching/bumps in my buttocks crack became noticable. Does the addition of these flu like symptoms change your view that my bumps/itching doesn't sound at all like herpes?
2) Yeast Overgrowth - If this is indeed the cause of my symptoms (as you said is a possibility), would that perhaps cause these flu like symptoms? I read here that candidas could be caused by antibiotics use and does indeed sometimes cause flu like symptoms as well. Is that possible or likely?
3) I hate to even bring this up, but does my flu like symptoms and the addition of the itching and dry skin etc. sound anything like initial HIV issues? 5 weeks post encounter sounds like too much time, but want to get your opinion please?
4) I have been avoiding sex with my wife b/c I fear what I have may be herpes. I will do the testing to make sure at the exact 6 week mark on Wednesday. However, the results will take some time, and wanted to get your opinion on the herpes possibility based on the new flu like symptom information.
Thanks again for the follow-up!
Doctor's Answer
by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D., Jul 31, 2006 12:00AM
, Jul 31, 2006 12:00AM
Your new symptoms do not change the virtually zero likelihood you have herpes. Dr. Rockoff (Dermatology forum) agreed you don't have it. HIV isn't an issue. In my view there is no reason for you to be avoiding sex with your wife. Stop seeking answer online; follow up with your primary health care provider. I will have no further responses. Per forum rules, this is your last permitted new thread for at least 6 months.
HHH, MD
HHH, MD
Member Comments (3)
by nervous1helpneeded, Jul 31, 2006 12:00AM
Thanks for the reassurance which is all I needed. I will se the Dr. on Wednesday. Again, thanks for the responses and patience with me on this issue. You and Dr Rockoff are truly amazing that you provide this service!
by nervous1helpneeded, Aug 07, 2006 12:00AM
To: Forum MD-HHH
I just wanted to follow up. I had my 6 week tests. HIV and HSV I and II HERPESELECT. I was negative for HIV and for HSV 2, but positive for HSVI. I very seriously doubt I got genital HSV1 from this singular event, but I also do not think I hav ever had fever blisters before. My wife gets them very often, so I am guessing I may have got this from her, but I do not have outbreaks. Anyways, I am thrilled that it appears I do not have anything, but still concerned b/c that rash and bumps I had in my bum crack was very strange. Regardless, to anyone looking on this site, PLEASE do what the Dr says and simplyu go to a clinic or your Dr to feel reassured. I spent 6 weeks of my life in misery for NO reason. If i would hav gone earlier during my rash, I am pretty sure that they would have told me then it was not herpes and I could have enjoyed 4 weeks more of my life!!!
by Jupiter415, Aug 28, 2009 07:20AM
A related discussion, Fatigue and sores on buttocks/genitalia (female) was started.
