Aa
Is this HIV infection?
I am 35 year old male. I had sex with a female colleague on 12 October. Not 4 hours after, I started feeling like I caught something. My symptoms included: headache, muscle pains, fever, fatigue,. This was most serious on October 14 for I was unable to go to work. I consulted a doctor friend for help. After all my fears he asked that I take HIV test. Of course he knew it would come out negative. Still I fret. I asked for PEP. He concluded that he could get me PEP for free if I could convince the lady to get tested in the 72 hour PEP window and find She's positive. That I couldn't get done and I couldn't afford to pay for it myself. Now, I feel some pain on my right chest. I've tried researching online but It's starting to get confusing. PLEASE could I have gotten infected with HIV and the symptoms, could they indicate HIV infection. I'm planning going for another HIV test once It's 3 months.
Thanks! I think I'd go for a general STI screening. That would put my mind at rest.
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You are reading content posted in the HIV Prevention Community
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.
Also the chance your partner had HIV is probably zero for all practical purposes, unless you know she is an injection drug user, sex worker, etc.
Taking PEP could be a big mistake and no expert would recommend it in this circumstance. In case you're not aware, one of its downsides is that it may delay the time to a definitive HIV test. Instead of being at risk for worry until ~4 weeks after the exposure, it will mean at least 3 months and maybe 6 months of uncertainty.