Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Primary HIV Symtpoms?

For approximately 6 weeks I had a unprotected sexual relationship with a woman.  At the onset she had stated that she had been tested as negative for all STDs after a prior unprotected partner whom she "did not trust."  Around 4 weeks after we initially began having unprotected sex, I fell ill with a slight fever, absolutely profound fatigue (sleeping more than 14 hours in a 24 hour period,) a strong pressure headache, and swollen lymph nodes, particularly in my neck.  After three days, the fatigue and fever went away, but the strong headache remained for approximately a week.  In the week since then I have continued to have swollen lymph nodes and have developed a slight sore throat.  After these symptoms developed I found out that this sexual partner had also been sleeping with two other men, although she claims that she insisted on protected sex with these individuals.

My concern at this point is that the symptoms seem to have a strong possibility of being those of a primary HIV infection.  While the woman and I are no longer having sex, she stated that she had a nasty case of bronchitis in December, and I do not know how soon after her last sexual partner she was tested (if within the same week of ending sexual relations with him, then obviously an antibody test could miss something.)

I was tested for HIV about about 4 days ago, and am still waiting on my results, although considering I got tested 5 weeks after the first potential exposure and only 2 weeks after an initial onset of symptoms I won't particularly value a negative result as the antibody test likely will not find anything.

In all, are the symptoms of absolute fatigue for a short period, a headache that persists for a week or more, and ongoing swollen lymph nodes something that I should be concerned about?  I understand that many people who contract various viruses have symptoms such as these, but as I only get sick once or twice every couple of years the timing of this serious sickness with the unprotected sex seems highly worrisome, in particular in light of my prior partner's sexual habits.
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
I am aware of this, and yet there are many sources that at least affirm the incidence of acute HIV infection in many recently infected individuals.  I do plan on getting tested at the 3 month mark, but for the time being I'm attempting to at least determine whether or not I should be concerned.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Symptoms or the lack of will never tell you anything about your status. HIV has no specific symptoms.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the HIV Prevention Community

Top HIV Answerers
366749 tn?1544695265
Karachi, Pakistan
370181 tn?1595629445
Arlington, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from surfaces, like toilet seats?
Can you get HIV from casual contact, like hugging?
Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.