Can a cut in the finger and unprotected sex cause HIV?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 35-year-old male. I recently had a cut in my finger in the right hand. I touched the vagina of the sex worker while having unprotected sex. This incident happened two months back. Recently I started having fever, rashes, joint pain, and swelling of lymph nodes a week back. I thought that I got infected with HIV. When I took some antibiotics, these symptoms got resolved to some extent. But now, I am afraid that I have been infected with HIV. Can I get HIV through this cut on my finger? What are the tests that can be done in this situation to diagnose whether I am infected or not? What are the management options available if I get a positive result? I want some relief from this. Please suggest the tests to be done immediately to rule out HIV.

Kindly suggest.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is an RNA virus that is mainly alive in bodily fluids like seminal fluid, vaginal fluid, saliva, blood, fecal water, urine, and cut surfaces with active bleeding and is transmitted mainly through these routes. When bodily fluids come in contact with each other, then there are chances of transmission.

HIV is not the only sexually transmitted disease. There are syphilis, gonorrhea, and urinary tract infections, which produce similar symptoms. Syphilis, gonorrhea, and urinary tract infections are curable with a very good prognosis. To confirm the diagnosis and the type of laboratory tests needed, a doctor's consultation is mandatory. If HIV is positive, there are retroviral drugs that have beneficial effects in prolonging wellness. Before diving further, let’s confirm and rule out other conditions. Kindly consult your specialist for appropriate laboratory tests.

I hope this helps.

Let me know if you have any other concerns.

Thank you.