[Question #9730] HIV Risk and Symptoms
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29 months ago
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Hello, I’m in Colombia South America and recently had an encounter with two agency csws about a week apart that make housecalls. I used a condom with both women and nothing out of the ordinary appeared to happen. After the vaginal sex I removed the condoms without checking for tears or anything as it is just habit at this point. Being that I had protected sex I assumed that I had no risk. The following week I develop an earache and sore throat with 99.5F fever. I assumed it was because I had been out all night and didn’t get enough sleep. I take azitromycin and things clear up almost completely in 3 days. When that clears up I get a rash on my torso and a bit on my arms. This is where I almost faint. This is roughly 10days after the second csw. At this point I’m losing my f’ing mind trying to figure out whats going on. Because of course I google and everything says hiv… BUT… I used a condom and I didn’t notice anything abnormal with the condoms at the end of the sex acts. Everyone has always told me that if I use a condom no matter what I will avoid hiv. Now I’m questioning my sanity and if the condoms somehow failed or had a hole that I missed. The rash lasts maybe 48hrs and then dissipates. I’m freaking the f out. What is your opinion?
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29 months ago
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I informed the csw agency of the situation and they stated that they’re going to request std panels from both workers this week.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
29 months ago
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Welcome to our firm. Thanks For your questions.
I can understand how the sequence of events you described could be worrisome, particularly when you look for answers on the internet, but I am going to urge you to try not to worry and make suggestions about how to move forward.
Let me first comment on your condom protected sex. When condoms fail, they break wide open, leaving no doubt that they have failed. They do not leak through tiny holes which would not be obvious. As long as your condoms were worn throughout the sex act, you could be confident that they did their job.
Second, regarding your symptoms, while the combination of fever and the rash are part of the ARS syndrome, the syndrome typically occurs with the onset of symptoms, all at about the same time, and includes not only fever, sometimes a rash, but almost always a severe sore throat and widespread muscle and joint aches. The fact that your symptoms did not begin at about the same time is not suggestive of the ARS, as is the absence of sore throat and muscle aches.
Finally, realizing how much erroneous information is to be found on the Internet, I will also point out to you that if you test at this time, you can when you get your negative test result ( which is the result I’m confident you’ll get), you can be sure you are not HIV infected. Persons experiencing the ARS always have positive tests
In closing, I will also add that careful scientific studies of persons presenting for evaluation with typical ARS symptoms over 99% have something other than HIV. Most often this more common problems such as influenza or, in recent years COVID-19. In your situation, I would guess that your fever was part of your earache, which is not part of the ARS, and wonder if the rash subsequently experienced might be due to the antibiotics you took.
I hope this information is helpful. EWH.
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29 months ago
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I did have a sore throat that developed after the earache but did not have muscle or joint pain. But after taking the antibiotic the sore throat was mild after a day or so and then dissipated The stress is weighing on me and I’m losing my mind wondering whats up.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
29 months ago
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Please reread my response. To address your stress, get tested. A negative result will PROVE you are not infected. You have one follow up remaining. EWH ---
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29 months ago
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Went to the local int’l clinic. They had a vein blood drawn antibody test performed. Results were negative. Stated that if I my symptoms were from ARS, and because said symptoms ended a week ago that the test would’ve been positive.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
29 months ago
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Final reply:
I am glad that you were tested and I agree with the assessment of the providers of the clinic. Your test result results conclusively prove that your symptoms were not due to HIV. It is now time for you to move on and stop worrying about the low risk exposure that you described. Take care.
EWH
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