Dr. Suvash Sahu
Dermatology
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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Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I had protected sex with a sex worker 60 hours back. The condom did not break or slip but as an extra measure can I start with PEP or Truvada since I feel slightly anxious. Please help.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I am here to extend a helping hand to you.
If you had protected sex, then no need to start with post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). As a precautionary measure, you can take a venereal disease research laboratory test (VDRL) test and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) test.
I hope this helps.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
I have done the test yesterday and the results will arrive tomorrow. If I test negative, it is fine. If not, what measures should I take? Kindly suggest.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Please send your report once you receive it. If the reports are fine, then there is nothing to worry otherwise repeat the HIV test after 90 days.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
So, there is no need to take any medication now, right? I am worried because it is going to be 72 hours post-exposure tomorrow.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
No, I do not think so. You should wait for the test results.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Can you suggest any medication to prevent herpes?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Glad to have you back.
I suggest you take the tablet Acyclovir (Herpikind) 400 mg twice daily as it is a suppressive dose.
I hope this helps. Do get back if you have any further queries.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
Can I start taking it now since it has been more than 72 hours? I have not received the reports yet. Even if the test results are negative, shall I take the medication as a prevention or should I start taking it immediately? For how long should I take the tablet Herpikind if the reports are positive? It has been three days since I had intercourse and I have no symptoms though the test reports have not yet arrived. The only thing that I felt was that I had a mild sore throat yesterday which has gone now and there is a single red bump near my pubic area. I have experienced only this so far. Please help.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I suggest you take the tablet thrice a day for five days.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
Right now, I am experiencing mild nausea, belching, and a sore throat. Should I be worried about HIV because these are some of the symptoms of HIV, right? However, the results of my HIV test done a day after intercourse was negative. What should I do since I have been in constant anxiety? Is it that I am just overthinking or are these symptoms due to anxiety? Herpes test results are yet to come, and the rest are all negative. Should I start taking the tablet Herpikind?
Kindly respond to my HIV query as well as I feel anxious because of my recent symptoms.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Glad to have you back.
Please do not get anxious since some viral illness could also be causing these symptoms. I suggest you take the tablet Herpikind 400 mg thrice a day for five days if you feel that your symptoms are due to herpes.
I hope I have resolved your queries. Do get back if you have any further queries.
Thank you.
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Dermatology
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