[Question #9663] Hiv symtoms

30 months ago

hi doctor, 10 days ago I had sex with a transexual, I penetrated anally without a condom. after 6 days my lymph nodes started to hurt everywhere in the body and it lasted for almost 3 days and now I have a really sore throat. should i be worried?

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

30 months ago

Welcome back to the forum.

It would be helpful to know more about this exposure in order to judge the risk. Was your partner a sex worker? How and where did you meet? Did you discuss HIV status before the event? Without a condom, this has to be considered a quite high risk exposure in regard to HIV, especially if she did not reassure you about negative HIV status.

Your symptoms are a bit early for acute retroviral syndrome (ARS, i.e. initial HIV infection), which usually starts 7-10 days after infection. However, 6 days probably is possible, and sore throat goes along with ARS as well. I don't know what to make of "lymph nodes hurt everywhere". If you have tender swellings or lumps you can feel, they likely are lymph nodes. Or do you just mean body aching in various places? Statistically, it is most likely you have a cold, Covid, or other standard virus. You also suggest your symptoms -- at least the "lymph node" pain -- already are improving; if so, ARS is less likely, since it usually lasts 2-3 weeks.

In summary, it is not possible to be confident about the cause of your symptoms; ARS is possible. See a doctor or clinic ASAP, preferably one experienced in HIV diagnosis and care -- like a public health clinic; many urgent care clinics also are experienced in all this. You need physical examination and lab testing, which probably should include an HIV RNA test ("viral load"). It might also include testing for Covid-19 and influenza.

If you are able to contact your sex partner, she might clarify her HIV status, or perhaps agree to testing at this time.

I look forward hearing more about your partner and the results after you have seen a doctor or clinic for examination and testing. Good luck.

HHH, MD

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30 months ago

she was a prostitute, my lymph nodes around my body were a little swollen but couldn't feel them clearly but they were sore. i asked her she said she take Prep medicine. I also feel warm in my body but no fever.

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

30 months ago

Thanks for the additional information, but it doesn't change my assessment or advice. It's good that your partner takes PrEP, which implies she does not now have HIV. And it sounds like you do not have a lymph node problem; you can't know you have "sore" lymph nodes if you can't even feel them! You still need in-person evaluation and testing. I will be happy to comment again after you have done that, but will have no further comments or replies until then.---
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30 months ago

Hi again doctor.

Did a HIV AG/AB (lab test)after 2 week (negative). Did also clamydia gonorre, tonsolitis test all negative . Still my throut is hurting and lymf in back legs are sore. Can I rule out hiv?

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

30 months ago

The negative AgAb test at 2 weeks is reassuring but not conclusive, about 80% certain you do not have HIV. However, it is 100% proof that your symptoms are not caused by HIV. You should have another AgAb test at 4 weeks (98-99% conclusive) and a final test at 6 weeks for 100% proof.

Your symptoms are not from HIV, but probably some other viral infection. It's not an STD and not related to the sexual exposure described above. You can expect them to continue to clear up. See a doctor if they aren't gone entirely after another week or so.

That concludes this thread. I hope the discussion has been helpful. (No more forum questions about this exposure and your symptoms, please.) Best wishes and stay safe.

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