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At 36, what HIV symptoms occur after unprotected sex?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 36-year-old male, and I had sex with a CSW (Community Sex Worker), who was 32 years old. I had unprotected sex with her once last year, and I had protected sex with her five months back. I was diagnosed with herpes zoster four months ago. After this, I have done p24 antigen, tri-dot, hepatitis B and C, and all STD (sexually transmitted disease) tests, which were all non-reactive. Except for IgM (immunogloblulin M) for(Herpes Simplex Virus) HSV 1 and 2, which was positive.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Ravinder K. Sachdeva

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

If your query is regarding HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) status, it is negative so far. There are recommendations, and I also suggest getting the HIV test repeated at six months after the last unprotected exposure. If that is negative, you do not need to repeat the test. Regarding HSV (herpes simplex virus) IgM reactivity, it needs to be treated only if you have active symptoms at any time. Both HSV and herpes zoster infection can occur in normal healthy individuals also. It need not be linked with HIV alone. Hope my answer helps you. But, please do not hesitate to ask or call anytime for any other questions.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for replying.

I am also diabetic, which was diagnosed this month. My fasting blood sugar is 104, and postprandial is 177.

  1. Is it affecting the antibody HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) test?
  2. I got only tri-dot and p24 antigen tests, thrice from months 3 to 5 after unprotected sex. Are these tests sufficient and reliable? Do I need to get a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test?
  3. I have a minor mouth infection, my tongue is white, and my lymph nodes are swollen. I have also been having joint pains for the past couple of months. I also have some red dots, around 20 dots, on my body. Are these symptoms related to HIV infection?
  4. Can I live a normal life with my wife in the future?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Ravinder K. Sachdeva

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

No, your raised blood sugar levels will not affect the antibody levels. You got the recommended tests done. These tests are highly sensitive and specific and give accurate results. You need to repeat the HIV rapid test at six months. If this is negative, you will not require any further tests. The symptoms could be the generalized symptoms of a viral infection.

Are you having difficulty or pain while swallowing, along with a white tongue or any bowel complaints?

If you find it suitable, you can send me a picture of the red dots. Yes, you can have a normal life with your wife.

Hope your queries are answered, but you are always welcome to ask or call for any further queries.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the help.

Answered by Dr. Ravinder K. Sachdeva

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You are most welcome.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have been trying to attach my files for the past few days, but have failed. I am not finding problems in eating or drinking due to a mouth and tongue infection. In the morning, I feel fine. But as the day passes, my tongue has a mild burning sensation. Regarding the red dot, it has been present for the last 15 days. I have passed five months after unprotected sex, and the test report is non-reactive.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Ravinder K. Sachdeva

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I suggest you take short, frequent meals and not remain fasting for a long time. Kindly get your HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) antibody test repeated after six months of the last unprotected exposure.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thanks for the reply. The symptoms that I experienced after the unprotected sex are: Herpes-like lesions. Dark line on the surface of the tongue. Burning sensation in the tongue. Oral thrush. I am not finding any problem in swallowing (eating or drinking). I also have had some on-and-off red dots on the body for the last 20 days. I hot tested for all the STDs, and the reports were non-reactive.

Kindly give your suggestion on my symptoms and test report.

Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Ravinder K. Sachdeva

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

1) I suggest you consult an ENT to examine for a persistent oral lesion and tongue thrush. You can send pictures of the same to me also for the diagnosis.

2) For the lymph node enlargement, I suggest you do an FNAC (fine needle aspiration cytology) or lymph node biopsy.

3) For cough, please get a chest X-ray, a sputum examination for AFB (acid-fast bacilli) smear, a culture or sensitivity test, and a Montoux test.

4) Get a complete hemogram with ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) (fasting sample), LFT (liver function test), and serum creatinine test.

5) Your test reports at six months for HIV are conclusive. You do not require any further tests for HIV if there has been no other exposure.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thanks for the reply. I have already done LFT (liver function test), KFT (kidney function test), serum creatinine, and ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) (but not fasting) four months after exposure. And the results were normal. Most of my symptoms are related to HIV infection, as I read on the internet. But my HIV test for all six times has been non-reactive. I did not have any unprotected sex after that.

  1. On behalf of the test and symptoms, are you sure I do not need further testing?
  2. Can I live with my wife?
  3. Are the symptoms related to other diseases?
  4. Am I free from HIV infection?

Please help.

Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Ravinder K. Sachdeva

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Answers to all four of your questions are yes.

Best wishes.

Answered byDr. Ravinder K. Sachdeva

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At June 10, 2017
Reviewed AtApril 21, 2026

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

Dr. Ravinder K. Sachdeva
Dr. Ravinder K. Sachdeva

HIV/AIDS specialist

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