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Herpes Zoster with possible recurrence two weeks later. Unprotected sex and fear of STD.
Hello,
I recently visited the my doctor and discovered that I have Herpes Zoster on my back and chest. He says it is a mild case, but nevertheless was/is extremely painful.
It seems that now as the symptoms fade from the first occurrence that another very small, itchy, piercing bump is developing on my chest.
I recently got tested for HIV and other STD's and came up negative. However, approximately one month ago I had an unprotected sexual encounter with a woman in Turkmenistan, who was possibly a prostitue. (I didnt pay, so not sure, but I did meet her in a bar where there were prostitutes but also regular female patrons.)Also, now I remember she had a cough....could have been from smoking, but also a sign of AIDS (She was approx 20 years old) Two weeks later, I had another sexual encounter with a woman in Uzbekistan...also unprotected. Both incidences have begun with a condom and because of lack of feeling the condom had been removed (was intoxicated) I have been lectured and guided on this unprotected sex issue and drinking and have refrained from sex in the past month.
Also, immediately after I returned from these countries I had several canker sores in my mouth. Possibly an STD? But please note that I traveled to six hard to reach countries in that region and had very little sleep, much work, poor living conditions in one country, and was extremely fatigued by the end of the tour.
Ok, after all that explanation comes the question. Is it possible that I contracted HIV this quickly and has caused my immune system get so low that Herpes Zoster has developed? Is this second recurrence Herpes Zoster? What is the likely hood that I contracted HIV from these women? I am circumsized, in good shape/Healthy, and 26 years old.
Also, i realize there may also be a site just for HIV but my lack of computer skills and navigation on this site led me here. I have seen some phenomenal responses to some questions and I wanted to reach you here.
Can you help? Thanks Doc.
I recently visited the my doctor and discovered that I have Herpes Zoster on my back and chest. He says it is a mild case, but nevertheless was/is extremely painful.
It seems that now as the symptoms fade from the first occurrence that another very small, itchy, piercing bump is developing on my chest.
I recently got tested for HIV and other STD's and came up negative. However, approximately one month ago I had an unprotected sexual encounter with a woman in Turkmenistan, who was possibly a prostitue. (I didnt pay, so not sure, but I did meet her in a bar where there were prostitutes but also regular female patrons.)Also, now I remember she had a cough....could have been from smoking, but also a sign of AIDS (She was approx 20 years old) Two weeks later, I had another sexual encounter with a woman in Uzbekistan...also unprotected. Both incidences have begun with a condom and because of lack of feeling the condom had been removed (was intoxicated) I have been lectured and guided on this unprotected sex issue and drinking and have refrained from sex in the past month.
Also, immediately after I returned from these countries I had several canker sores in my mouth. Possibly an STD? But please note that I traveled to six hard to reach countries in that region and had very little sleep, much work, poor living conditions in one country, and was extremely fatigued by the end of the tour.
Ok, after all that explanation comes the question. Is it possible that I contracted HIV this quickly and has caused my immune system get so low that Herpes Zoster has developed? Is this second recurrence Herpes Zoster? What is the likely hood that I contracted HIV from these women? I am circumsized, in good shape/Healthy, and 26 years old.
Also, i realize there may also be a site just for HIV but my lack of computer skills and navigation on this site led me here. I have seen some phenomenal responses to some questions and I wanted to reach you here.
Can you help? Thanks Doc.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
The risk of HIV, if your unprotected contact had HIV, is still only around 1 chance in 2000; and she probably didn't. Canker sores are unlikely to be an STD.
People with late HIV/AIDS, which you cannot have, can get recurrent herpes zoster, but zoster is unrelated to early HIV infection and certainly not a problem for someone who has a negative HIV test at the time. And a 'recurrence' 2 weeks later doesn't count; that's more likely a relapse the same episode.
In summary, nothing in your story makes me particularly concerned. But of course I cannot guarantee any particular person is or isn't infected. Most likely your wife isn't at risk, but feel free to have another HIV test 4-6 weeks after your last possible exposure.
Sounds to me like your main health problem is your drinking. Anybody making unsafe sex choices under the influence, especially if so drunk they don't remember whether or not s/he had sex or not, clearly has an alcohol problem. Dealing with that seems to be the best way to protect your wife from HIV or other STDs.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
People with late HIV/AIDS, which you cannot have, can get recurrent herpes zoster, but zoster is unrelated to early HIV infection and certainly not a problem for someone who has a negative HIV test at the time. And a 'recurrence' 2 weeks later doesn't count; that's more likely a relapse the same episode.
In summary, nothing in your story makes me particularly concerned. But of course I cannot guarantee any particular person is or isn't infected. Most likely your wife isn't at risk, but feel free to have another HIV test 4-6 weeks after your last possible exposure.
Sounds to me like your main health problem is your drinking. Anybody making unsafe sex choices under the influence, especially if so drunk they don't remember whether or not s/he had sex or not, clearly has an alcohol problem. Dealing with that seems to be the best way to protect your wife from HIV or other STDs.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
Thank you Dr. I do remember everything about each evening, which is why i'm so concerned. Drinking has been cut since this point...this is one hell of a scare. On that note, fortunately, I am not married so I dont have to worry about passing it on to my wife. Thanks again for your valuable expertise. I have a follow up appt with my doc on Thursday to get results from some lab tests. I feel confident after your comments. Have a great day....You are doing very valuable work and we all definitely appreciate it.
Best.
Best.
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
