HomeAnswersHIV/AIDS specialisthiv risk factorsDo pain under my armpits and behind my left knee due to HIV?

Do pain under arm pits and in knee after sex indicate HIV?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At February 13, 2019
Reviewed AtJuly 25, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have potentially been exposed to HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). 20 days back, I had protected sex with a sex worker and at some point during the intercourse the condom broke exposing my entire penis. I do not know how long this exposure took place. Three days later, I started experiencing a fever. The fever lasted up until a week approximately. I returned home and had swollen lymph nodes below my jaw on both sides. I went to my doctor the next day, and told her what happened and my worries, she prescribed me Doxycycline for the lymph nodes. Within a few days, the left lymph node had completely gone down but the right one still remains. The doctor also had me test for STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) (syphils, gonorrhea, and HIV, all negative). I am now experiencing tenderness and slight pain under my arm pits and behind my left knee, there is a pain when I walk or stretch that leg. Are these the symptoms of early HIV infection? How worried should I be about the lymph nodes? I am also experiencing intermittent tingling in my feet and hands.

Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query in detail. Early symptoms of HIV (flu like symptoms) usually appear after two weeks of HIV infection. The symptoms of swollen lymph nodes, fever, pain behind ears or legs can be no way attributed to the exposure you have had. These could be due to anxiety or some other cause. You can take tablet Paracetamol 500 mg as per your need. If these symptoms persist, you can visit a general physician. Also, I would suggest you to repeat fourth generation HIV after four to six weeks of exposure.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

After four weeks, will the DUO test be conclusive? Also, what could cause the tenderness under my arm and behind my knee?

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It is more conclusive after six weeks. Tenderness can be due to any subclinical infection or inflammation.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Jyotisterna Mittal
Dr. Jyotisterna Mittal

Dermatology

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