Does a breakout of cold sores mean I am HIV positive?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had pelvic pain for two to three days. My period was very spotty this month. I did not really have one and my period has always been regular. Could this be a sign and symptom of HIV? I am not pregnant. I get yearly lab tests and everything is normal. I got a yearly TB (Tuberculosis) test at the hospital I work and I never saw the LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurses) draw up the medicine into the syringe to inject in me. So, now I am wondering if she would have used a dirty needle. Three weeks after my TB test, I broke out with a cold sore. I do not know if it is just the wrong timing I mean. I usually get cold sores maybe one to two times a year since I was a child. I did not think anything of a cold sore until my period got all goofed up. Now I am worried that the LVN would have used a dirty needle and infected me. I have no other signs or symptoms of anything. Please help.

Answer 1

Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have noted your concern. An irregular period is not a sign of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection nor is a breakout of labial herpes (cold sores). An irregular period could be due to other reasons like stress, anxiety, hormonal imbalances of the thyroid,weight loss or obesity, etc. Stress and anxiety is also a more common cause of a cold sore breakout. I do not think that you should suspect someone injecting you with HIV unless there is a specific reason for that. All injection needles used these days are sterile disposable ones and are not reused. But still, if you have doubts you can get screened for HIV with a 4th generation combo test of p24 antigen and anti-HIV antibody. This test can be done three weeks after a possible exposure.

Regards.