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Past Symptoms Making Me Wonder
Hello,
In late 2009 I had unprotected intercourse with a woman. A couple weeks later, I was very sick with what was diagnosed as bacterial tonsillitis. Was prescribed amoxicillan and I recovered quickly. Tonsils were swollen to the point that I could barely speak, fever, white exudate, but before that I noticed that part of my right cheek felt sore and enlarged. As I got sicker, that receded while an oral ulcer developed on my left gum on the inside that seemed fairly large. At the time, I showed the clinic doctor but he said it looked like a canker sore. I took the meds and didn't think much of it until recently. It seems as if this is consistent with oral HSV infection. I've never had a cold sore before, or noticed any blisters on my genitals, though at the time I was feeling so sick I don't recall examining my genitals nor any pain or discomfort in that region. On the other hand, bacterial tonsillitis isn't supposed to cause oral ulcers, and the antibiotics seemed to help recover. Now I'm a bit confused and anxious.
In late 2009 I had unprotected intercourse with a woman. A couple weeks later, I was very sick with what was diagnosed as bacterial tonsillitis. Was prescribed amoxicillan and I recovered quickly. Tonsils were swollen to the point that I could barely speak, fever, white exudate, but before that I noticed that part of my right cheek felt sore and enlarged. As I got sicker, that receded while an oral ulcer developed on my left gum on the inside that seemed fairly large. At the time, I showed the clinic doctor but he said it looked like a canker sore. I took the meds and didn't think much of it until recently. It seems as if this is consistent with oral HSV infection. I've never had a cold sore before, or noticed any blisters on my genitals, though at the time I was feeling so sick I don't recall examining my genitals nor any pain or discomfort in that region. On the other hand, bacterial tonsillitis isn't supposed to cause oral ulcers, and the antibiotics seemed to help recover. Now I'm a bit confused and anxious.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Glad I could help. Try not to worry so much. EWH
Thank you very much Dr Hook. Yes, I am anxious about HSV and not sure why. I have warts on my feet so I have HPV technically, I have been tested before and advised that HIV is exceedingly rare in heterosexuals, and Gonorrhea and Chalmidya can be cleared with antibiotics. Herpes sounds painful, difficult to test for and difficult to spot - it leaves me feeling anxious, especially the thought that I may have it and have inadvertently given it to past partners. I also live in Canada where HSV blood tests are not readily available. I appreciate the help nonetheless.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome back to the Forum. I'll be pleased to comment. The episode that you describe does not sound at all like oral herpes to me. The swollen tonsils and white exudate you describe would be atypical for herpes and oral HSV lesions rarely involve the gums. further, as you point out the timing of the exposure you mention is on the long side for this to be HSV which would have been expected to appear earlier. All in all, what you describe does not sound like HSV.
I note that you have posted here and on the MedHelp Dermatology site with other questions about HSV. I wonder if perhaps you are worrying more than need be. HSV is common and while it is a nuisance, it need not be catastrophic unless you make it that way.
I hope these comments are helpful to you. EWH
I note that you have posted here and on the MedHelp Dermatology site with other questions about HSV. I wonder if perhaps you are worrying more than need be. HSV is common and while it is a nuisance, it need not be catastrophic unless you make it that way.
I hope these comments are helpful to you. EWH
Looks like the encounter took place the week of Nov 2, 2009 and I didn't get sick until the last weekend of November/early December. Work emails show I was sick from at least Dec 3rd to Dec 7th. Timing seems to be wrong for HSV, no?
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.
