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Persistant Sore Throat, HIV?
A month ago I performed oral sex on a male and he ejaculated in my mouth. I did not have any open sores although I did brush my teeth not too long before but did not notice any bleeding gums. I would consider him extremely low risk (we go to a small private college and to my knowledge he has not had many partners).
Four days later I developed tonsilitis and a fever and was given a z-pack which helped significantly within three days. But ever since I have had a persistent sore throat (4 weeks) which gets better than worse and back and forth...but never as bad as I had it at first (no fever, at least). I was tested for strep after initial infection and it was negative and then I had a throat culture taken after a follow-up (after the coarse of the z-pack) and they came back clean too. I had a blood test taken for mono and that was negative too. I had an HIV oral test at four weeks and it was negative but this sore throat won't quit.
My left tonsil is slightly more swollen and I have slightly lymph node on that side. The throat is worse in the mornings. I understand my low risk factors but if this sore throat would just go away I wouldn't be so anxiety stricken. It is really interfering with my daily life and I have constant panic attacks. Can you tell me if this could be a sign of HIV?
Four days later I developed tonsilitis and a fever and was given a z-pack which helped significantly within three days. But ever since I have had a persistent sore throat (4 weeks) which gets better than worse and back and forth...but never as bad as I had it at first (no fever, at least). I was tested for strep after initial infection and it was negative and then I had a throat culture taken after a follow-up (after the coarse of the z-pack) and they came back clean too. I had a blood test taken for mono and that was negative too. I had an HIV oral test at four weeks and it was negative but this sore throat won't quit.
My left tonsil is slightly more swollen and I have slightly lymph node on that side. The throat is worse in the mornings. I understand my low risk factors but if this sore throat would just go away I wouldn't be so anxiety stricken. It is really interfering with my daily life and I have constant panic attacks. Can you tell me if this could be a sign of HIV?
A related discussion, Hiv worries was started.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
The symptoms you describe are not suggestive of HIV. The sore throat came on too soon, and even in people at risk for HIV numerous garden variety viruses are far more likely causes. This is the main reason that symptoms almost never are useful indicators of new HIV infection. Most important, HIV test results always outweigh symptoms in judging HIV infection. And on top of that, you had a very low risk exposure.
You should discuss your concerns with your doctor, and perhaps s/he will recommend another HIV test after 6-8 weeks to further calm your fears. But you really have no worries about HIV in this situation.
Regards-- HHH, MD
You should discuss your concerns with your doctor, and perhaps s/he will recommend another HIV test after 6-8 weeks to further calm your fears. But you really have no worries about HIV in this situation.
Regards-- HHH, MD
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