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Could stomach and throat symptoms post-sex indicate HIV?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am a 32-year-old male. Recently, I had sex with my partner. After 20 days, I got a severe stomach infection, and I am undergoing treatment. I am responding well, but specific food causes loose stools (not sure if it is because of the food). After 40 days, I started to get a slight throat infection with a cold. I am scared of getting HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Please suggest.

Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

There are many possible reasons for experiencing loose stools, and most of them are not serious. One common cause is anxiety. When you are feeling anxious or stressed, your body reacts by increasing gut motility, which can lead to diarrhea. This is a well-known and natural response of the digestive system to stress or emotional discomfort.

In your case, if you have also developed a sore throat, it could be due to a viral infection. Viral infections often affect multiple systems in the body and can cause symptoms like sore throat, fatigue, or mild digestive issues. These symptoms are usually self-limiting and improve on their own within a few days.

If you are concerned about HIV due to these symptoms, it is good to know that you’ve already passed the 28-day mark. At this point, you can confidently take a fourth-generation HIV test. These tests are highly accurate, over 99 percent, and can detect both HIV antibodies and p24 antigen, making them reliable for early detection.

Try not to jump to conclusions based on symptoms alone, as many conditions can mimic each other. Testing will give you clarity. If your anxiety continues or worsens, consider speaking with a healthcare provider about ways to manage it more effectively. The test result will be conclusive for diagnosing HIV. You can continue your treatment. Kindly share your treatment details for further analysis.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your reply.

I took Secnil forte 1 mg tablet. My frequency of loose stools has reduced. But, occasionally, I get them again. Currently, I am taking Refaxamin 200 mg three times a day for ten days, Redotil 100 mg three times a day for five days, and Gnorm one tablet two times a day for five days. After taking Gnorm and Redotil, I am experiencing throat pain. I also have hypothyroidism. I believe that my vitamin D levels are low. I constantly think of HIV, so I have anxiety attacks.

Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The transmission rate of HIV is 1 in 10000 through sexual contact. You cannot have a risk until the person is infected with HIV and has a high viral load. HIV is not an easy virus to contract. Redotil (Racecadotril) is Lactobacillus, and it may cause mild throat pain. You have a panic attack. Do a fourth-generation test for HIV. It clears everything. Do not worry.

I hope this helps.

Please revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I had previously connected with you on my concern regarding an ongoing infection. I have recently observed that I have lost weight of around 1.5 kg in a month. During this period, I have been suffering from the GI (Gastrointestinal) infection, which I told you in my previous message. I do not have any other symptoms. Now my stomach is coming back to normal. Do you see a concern here?

Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Good to hear that your gut is normal. Are you looking for an opinion about your normal gut?

I hope this helps.

Please revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, I was suffering from a gut bacterial infection for more than a month, which is getting better now. During the process, I lost weight as mentioned above. Is it normal? Hope it is not HIV.

Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It is not an HIV infection. Due to malabsorption, there is a tendency to lose weight. You will gain in the next three months.

I hope this helps.

Please revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your reply.

Are you sure that there is nothing to worry about?

Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, there is nothing to worry.

I hope this helps.

Please revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At November 8, 2018
Reviewed AtJuly 4, 2025

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