any possibility still?

[skippy345]

Dear Doctor,

I am a female and after an unprotected episode with a male I was tested 5 weeks, 2 months and 4 months after the exposure, all negative ELISA. This is my concern. It is now a year and a half after I had unprotected vaginal intercourse with this guy and I recently came down with an illness that left me with a 100.5 degree fever and a horrible cough that hurt my chest badly (felt like bronchitis) but my doctor told me it was a viral infection but gave me an antibiotic anyway called Biaxin.  Well, I felt better within 3 days but then I noticed a red throat with small red blotches on my soft palate. It didn't hurt at all, they just felt bumpy when I touched them with my tongue.  I had the nurse at my college look at them and she told me that it didn't look like anything serious and it did not look like thrush either.  There were no white spots at all, only red blotches.  She said it probably had to do with the Biaxin I was taking.  I am scared that it can be a symptom of HIV even though I had negative tests out to 4 months.

1.) Does this sound like it can be a symptom of HIV?
2.) I know there are stages of HIV where people get different symptoms, so does a year and a half after an exposure sound like I would have symptoms at this time?
3.) Also, I have a weird habit of searching for lymph nodes in my neck.  If I press hard enough, can I feel them even if they're not swollen? (its about the size of an eraser tip from a pencil)
4.)  Do you think I have any reason to believe the red dots on my soft palate are from my antibiotic or HIV?  Thank you doctor.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

There is simply no way that you could have HIV from the exposure that you describe, irrespective of any symptoms you could describe.  The tests are VERY good and you have had three of them, all with negative results, including one which was well beyond the 12 week period needed to be sure.  Symptoms are a terrible indicator of HIV at any, but particularly early int he infection.  Again, there is no way you got HIV from the exposure you describe- you have the laboratory tests to prove it.  As for your questions:

1.  Symptoms are unreliable.  the problem with symptoms is that there are no symptoms which are highly specific for HIV and in persons who have symptoms which are caused by HIV, 99 times out of hundred (at least) they are caused by something else.
2.  No at this time had you gotten infected, you would most likely be asymtomatic (but you are not infected!!!!)
3.  Everyone has lymph nodes and they can be felt.  They get bigger with sore throats, cavities, and respiratory tract infections.
4.  No

EWH

[Edward W Hook, MD]

there are any number of things it could be.  If it is not growing it is likely not serious but the best way to be sure and resolve your concerns is to have it evaluated by a physician who can examine it and take a more detailed history based on what he/she find.  For me to make recommendations would not be in your best interest, nor appropriate.  EWH

[skippy345]

Thank you for your response.  I just have one more question:  I have had a small bump on the left side of my neck for a while now. It is only about the size of a pea and it's hard.  I am not sure if it is a lymph node because it is in the shape of a perfect circle and it moves in every direction.  What can this be and does it sound serious?