Can someone get ARS five days after exposure?

Question

Hello doctor,

Can I get ARS (acute retroviral syndrome) five days after exposure? I had night sweats, dry mouth, fever, and pus in my tonsils, or was this just flu?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern. Are you worried about HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) symptoms? It is unusual for symptoms of HIV to appear five days after exposure. More than 50 percent of the people who get infected with HIV do not notice any symptoms. Symptoms generally appear within two to four weeks of infection and may last for a week. Many develop a fever, sore throat, lethargy, or rash.

The symptoms you mentioned could be due to any viral infection or acute viral tonsillitis. I suggest you do saline water gargles, drink plenty of fluids, and take adequate rest. Take the tablet Paracetamol to relieve the pain. If you are worried about unprotected exposure get an HIV test within four to six weeks of exposure and if the test comes negative, get it confirmed at three months and then again at six months.

I hope this helps you.

Regards