Did HIV or a cold cause my neck and lymph swelling?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had sex with a boy, and I do not know if he has HIV or not. After five days of exposure, I had ice cream and drank cold water. Then I had a sore throat and low-temperature fever. The fever lasted only for one night, and the sore throat for two days. But after the sore throat ended, the lymph nodes on both sides of my neck swelled. Now, after one month, I feel a little swelling in my neck. Is this due to sex or cold? I have felt no other symptoms of HIV during this period of one month. Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for your query.

Firstly I want to talk about the risk of acquiring HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) through anal sex. Research has shown that the risk of HIV transmission during anal sex is approximately 18 times higher than vaginal intercourse. The studies have also generated evidence that the per-act estimate of the risk of acquiring HIV is around 0.62 % for men who are not circumcised and 0.11 % for men who are circumcised.

I suggest you undertake an HIV rapid test at an accredited lab now, and if it is negative, then a repeat HIV antibody test at three months and then at six months. Also, I suggest you undertake a test for other STIs (sexually transmitted infections), which includes hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, herpes, HPV (human papillomavirus), and gonorrhea. Symptoms can be of a usual viral infection, but you need to be evaluated for lymph node enlargement and an HIV test. Take precautions in the future, like consistent and correct condom usage.

I hope this helps.

Do revert for further queries.

Thank you.