How to know if a person has contracted HIV infection?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 21-year-old female. I am extremely worried that I have contracted HIV (human immunodeficiency Virus). About five weeks ago, I went to a club and was very drunk. I remember a guy walking me home and coming to my house. I remember him fingering me, pulling his penis out, and me saying no several times. The last thing I remember is throwing up next to the bed. I woke up clothed, and the guy was gone. I thought at the time that I most likely did not have sex with this guy because usually I can tell, and I have not remembered sex before, even when drunk.

For a fact, I know I was clean before this. Then a month later, I came down with flu-like symptoms. A cough with yellow mucus, a runny nose, hot and cold, night sweats for three nights, and a pretty bad sore throat. This lasted for a week, and the cough lasted for two weeks. I also have shortness of breath and chest and throat tightness, which I still have, a little over two weeks, but this could be due to lifelong asthma that usually flares up when I am sick. This is my first one-night stand in a while. I was promiscuous as a teenager, and about six months ago, I had severe HIV anxiety. I was getting sick rather frequently for a few months (recurring sore throat, swollen lymph nodes), but I was tested clean. I realize that a one-night stand that may not have even occurred is a low risk, but the fact that I am having these symptoms is really freaking me out. I take medications for birth control, Zyrtec, and Flonase. The HIV test taken two months ago was negative.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

As the exposure status is not very clear, I would suggest not panicking. Your symptoms could just be a common flu, which presented quite severely. As it has already been five weeks since the event, it is suggested to get tested. You could go for the fourth-generation HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) combo test method, as it is almost accurate within four weeks of the last exposure.

I suggest you do the following tests: HIV by 4th 4th-generation combo method. HBsAg (surface antigen of the hepatitis virus). Anti-HCV (hepatitis-C virus). VDRL (venereal disease research laboratory). I hope this helps address your concern.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.