HIV

Hello,
6 weeks ago I had sexual contact with a woman of unknown status(high risk of STDs though), last week I started feeling like there was something in my throat(i think it's my lymph node that's swollen), occasionally i'm getting some slight pain in the groin area, behind my ears, behind my head and the side of my neck. Apart from this about three weeks ago i got ill with headaches, nausea, diarrhea, dizzyness and disconfort in my throat. Could this be HIV or any other STDs?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

It is conceivable but extremely unlikely that your symptoms are related to your sexual exposure, either HIV or any other STD.  The chance of a man catching HIV from a single episode of heterosexual intercourse is extremely low, even if the woman is infected.  If your symptoms go away, I wouldn't worry about.  If they persist, see a health care provider.

Happy Thanksgiving--   HHH, MD