How common is acquiring HIV from unprotected sex?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 35-year-old male. I cheated on my wife, and I am really scared that I may have HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). When I say scared, I mean night terrors, huge anxiety, and no appetite (I lost 15 pounds in three weeks). I cannot work, and that is all I think about. The circumstances are as follows. I performed oral sex on a female. I then fingered her and then masturbated myself with the same hand. I have asked a few professionals, and they say I am only at risk theoretically, but have no real risk of contracting HIV. However, my body tells me differently.

I have had a sore throat for 20 days, no appetite, pain where my liver and spleen are, weakness in my legs that comes and goes, and a hint of nausea every now and then. I have night sweats that awaken me, but they are accompanied by panic. My heart feels like it is going to burst. My tongue and mouth burn, but I think that is acid-related because my breath is awful, no matter how much I brush. I had an Alere combo HIV test at 25 days, and that was negative. I have never had a fever, rash, swollen nodes, or any of the common symptoms.

My questions are: What is my real risk of contracting HIV? The health department said I did not need to retest and that 25 days was enough time for accurate results with that type of test. Is that true? Could this all be anxiety and guilt?

Kindly guide.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand that you are worried, but it is not the end of the world. You actually have a very low risk of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) transmission from this exposure. Though the test is sensitive, you should get a fourth-generation ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) test for HIV at six weeks and repeat the test at three months. That is the standard protocol. And yes, the guilt is causing all these anxiety-related symptoms. Get yourself tested and put an end to all this anxiety. Please eat well and try to sleep.

I hope this helps.

Take care.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Fatty Liver is a common incidental finding during an ultrasound. It has grades, too. Grade 1 is mild and can be reversed with lifestyle modifications like changes in diet, quitting alcohol, etc. For the spleen, it is best to consult a gastro physician. Liver and spleen enlargement can be due to several reasons, infection being one of them. Gallbladder inflammation or gallstones can cause abdominal pain. But without further investigations, it is difficult to comment on the same.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.