Does flu-like symptoms and ulcers after herpes indicate HIV?

Question

Hello doctor,

About four weeks ago, I got oral sex from a partner whose HIV status is unknown to me. I did only that with her. I always thought that it represented no risk of contamination to HIV. Now, the thing is that about one week after that intercourse, I did a general blood test and found out that I have herpes types 1 and 2. I am aware that herpes increases the risk of contamination with HIV.

But when I received the oral sex, I did not have any visible sore on my penis. Now, about four to five weeks after that intercourse, I started to have flu-like symptoms (fatigue, sore throat, etc.) and several mouth ulcers. Could it be a sign of HIV, or is it nothing, as I was not exposed to anything and did not have an open sore on my penis when I had oral sex?

Please advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to iCliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Firstly pre-existing lesion of herpes or any genital ulcer on the penis during sexual intercourse or oral sex increases the chances of HIV transmission. Your blood report came positive for herpes 1 and 2. Herpes 1 mostly causes oral ulcers, and herpes 2 causes genital lesions. There are two tests: Herpes IgG, which indicates any past infection or subclinical exposure, and herpes IgM, which indicates active infection. Please tell me which test was positive in your case.

Coming to your symptoms, they may be suggestive of the acute HIV syndrome. To rule out HIV, please get a Western blot test done for HIV-1 and HIV-2 at the earliest. The ELISA test, which is generally done for HIV, will be negative in the window period (four to six weeks after contracting HIV). Also, get an ELISA done eight weeks after your exposure. If it is negative, get a repeat test done after three and six months for understanding.

Please tell me a few details to help you better. Did you have sexual intercourse also? If yes, you need to get a few more tests done to rule out other STDs. Did the person who performed oral sex have any oral or genital lesions?

Please answer me so I can guide you better.

Kind regards.