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Does diarrhea and fever after unprotected sex indicate HIV?

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

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 35-year-old male. I am facing some symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, headache, chest pain, and sometimes shortness of breath. I had unprotected sex with a sex worker. This incident happened two weeks back. I am not aware of the sex worker’s health status. Now, I am worried that I have developed HIV after starting to face these symptoms. Can this be HIV? How to know whether I have been infected with this infection? What are the tests that can be done at this stage to diagnose it? Can taking PEP medications help me? What are the other medications or treatments that can be taken? Kindly suggest.
Answered by Dr. Raveendran S R

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Raveendran S R is a dedicated diabetes specialist and sexual medicine expert committed to providing evidence-based, confidential, and patient-centered care. With strong clinical and academic experience, he specializes in managing diabetes, erectile dysfunction, male infertility, performance concerns, and other men’s health conditions through structured and scientifically guided treatment approaches. Dr. Raveendran focuses on accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and long-term health improvement while ensuring patient comfort and privacy. Known for his compassionate and professional approach, he believes in clear communication and helping patients make informed decisions to improve their overall health, confidence, and quality of life.

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Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) symptoms typically appear two to four weeks after exposure, known as acute retroviral syndrome (ARS). To determine if you have HIV, you should get tested with an HIV-RNA (ribonucleic acid) test (NAT - nucleic acid test) or HIV antigen/antibody test.

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) should be started within 72 hours of potential exposure to reduce the risk of infection. If you have missed this window, consult a healthcare provider for further testing and guidance. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the primary treatment for HIV, and early initiation is key to managing the virus.

I hope this helps.

Take care.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At January 29, 2025
Reviewed At December 10, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Raveendran S R is a dedicated diabetes specialist and sexual medicine expert committed to providing evidence-based, confidential, and patient-centered care. With strong clinical and academic experience, he specializes in managing diabetes, erectile dysfunction, male infertility, performance concerns, and other men’s health conditions through structured and scientifically guided treatment approaches. Dr. Raveendran focuses on accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and long-term health improvement while ensuring patient comfort and privacy. Known for his compassionate and professional approach, he believes in clear communication and helping patients make informed decisions to improve their overall health, confidence, and quality of life.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

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

Dr. Raveendran S R
Dr. Raveendran S R

Sexology

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Raveendran S R is a dedicated diabetes specialist and sexual medicine expert committed to providing evidence-based, confidential, and patient-centered care. With strong clinical and academic experience, he specializes in managing diabetes, erectile dysfunction, male infertility, performance concerns, and other men’s health conditions through structured and scientifically guided treatment approaches. Dr. Raveendran focuses on accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and long-term health improvement while ensuring patient comfort and privacy. Known for his compassionate and professional approach, he believes in clear communication and helping patients make informed decisions to improve their overall health, confidence, and quality of life.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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