HomeAnswersHIV/AIDS specialisthivFollowing protected sexual exposure, I have been experiencing various symptoms though my HIV test results are negative. Why?

What could cause various symptoms following protected sexual exposure despite negative HIV test results?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At November 19, 2023
Reviewed AtNovember 19, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I had a protected exposure with a commercial sex worker eight years back. She had a small open cut in her vagina and her nail scratched my upper body. After six months, I had a sore throat and in the last one year, I have been experiencing mild headaches, white coated tongue, and body aches, especially in the hamstring muscles. I lost 13 pounds and have extreme numbness and tiredness. Also, I have a mild fever of about 98 to 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit. In the last one year, my tonsils have been enlarged, and have itching all over my body. The lymph nodes are increasing in size. I have excessive sweating, red rashes that come and go, and black moles in my hands and feet. I feel so tired and weak and have itching in my eyes. I am taking vitamin D medications and medications for migraine, skin, ENT, and stomach issues.

My CBC is 6 and my WBC levels are abnormal. I have taken CPK, CRP, TSH, RA factor, blood culture, urine routine, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and endoscopy of the stomach. I have also done an endoscopy of the throat to check the tonsils, and took an X-ray (PA view), twice. I took an HIV test after 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 months of exposure. Also, I did the ICTC test, Elisa test, and Western blot test all of which were negative. I have vitamin B12 deficiency, and the level of vitamin D is 23.1 ng/mL. CT PNS shows sinus infection, CT of the head is normal, VDRL is negative, ESR is normal (taken twice), and I tested negative for malaria and typhoid. Please help.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

The chances of transmission of HIV through protected intercourse are nil. HIV is not transmitted through other mentioned modes. So, the risk is nil. I have gone through the details and reports (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity). Your HIV results are repeatedly negative and after three months of exposure, the result is conclusive. So, you are free from HIV provided there is no further risk of exposure. You can forget about HIV. Your symptoms are not related to HIV. It may be due to respiratory infection or allergy. You can consult your doctor for examination and management. Other symptoms may be due to anxiety. I suggest you just forget the episode and lead a normal life.

I hope this helps. Do get back if you have any further queries.

Thank you.

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

Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra
Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra

Dermatology

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