What are the signs and symptoms of HIV if infected at 24?

Question

Hello,

I am 24 years old. I have been worried and sick for a few weeks about contracting HIV or AIDS. I cannot go a few hours without thinking of it. I think my stress level is high now. I had an HIV test last year, and I have not had any unprotected sex till mid this year. About five weeks after I had unprotected sex with a new girl. I had a sore throat which lasted for about two weeks, then diarrhea for a couple of days on and off At this point, I was already thinking of AIDS. I was observing a fast when this happened. So I do not know if the elongated time for the sore throat was only due to not taking water during the day (dehydration). I took lozenges, and they did not work, but when I took a cough syrup. It disappeared. Soon after that, the body aches around my right shoulder and neck, which lasted for about three to four days. And tingling in my muscles or bones, which I still feel now. Also, I didn't notice the fever, but about three times I noticed my temperature getting a bit higher than usual, then going away almost immediately after 10 to 20 minutes. It has been over a month now, and I am freaking out. And it seems I am attaching every little thing to AIDS. Please suggest it to me. Also, I noticed very tiny, sometimes itchy, skin-colored rashes on both arms for two days. I lost about 10 lbs, too. It might be due to the fast. (30 days, 5 am to 8 pm without food or water). I cannot eat or sleep. And now my throat feels itchy once again. Please suggest it to me. Could this be AIDS?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and understand your concern. Unprotected sexual exposure is a risk factor for multiple STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), including HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). However, the actual risk is quite low, ranging from 0.02% to 0.04%, depending on the mode of exposure. The symptoms of HIV usually start after the window period and range from fever with rash to other mild ailments in the initial stages. In your case, the complaints appear to be more related to the stress of HIV rather than the infection. Kindly mention if the exposure was with a regular partner or a commercial sex worker, if there was any bleeding during the exposure if it was vaginal or anal, or oral intercourse, and regarding the health status of the partner. Also, upload your last HIV report so that we can know the method of the test employed. There is no reason to panic, as not all exposures lead to HIV.

I hope you find this helpful.

Thank you.