HomeAnswersHIV/AIDS specialisthivI am a 21-year-old female and worried that I may have contracted HIV despite my HIV tests being negative. Please help.

How to know if one has contracted the HIV virus?

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Published At July 26, 2023
Reviewed AtDecember 7, 2023

Patient's Query

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 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, 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 was tested clean. I realize that a one-night stand that may have not 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 and Zyrtec and Flonase. The HIV test taken two months ago was negative. Please help.

Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. As the exposure status is not very clear, I would suggest not to panic. 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 by four weeks from the last exposure. I suggest you do the following tests: HIV by 4th generation combo method. HBsAg (surface antigen of hepatitis virus). Anti HCV (hepatitis-C virus). VDRL (venereal disease research laboratory). I hope this helps address your concern.

Regards.

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

Dr. Rakesh Kumar Bahunuthula
Dr. Rakesh Kumar Bahunuthula

Dermatology

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