Question:

Hello, all generous and care taking DOCTORS! I'm 23 years old living in Malaysia.

Having suspicious symptoms of acute HIV infection, I browsed through Aegis, but I still could not figure out what's wrong with me. Straight to the point, I have the following symptoms:

• Rashes (in red) all around my legs and body (less on the body).
• Rashes (in white) situated somewhere end of my legs.
• Mouth dry (very dry).
• Rashes (white color) on both side of my lip.
• Few lumps on my tongue .
• Very tired all the time.
• Loss of weight (about 5 kgs in the past 4 weeks)
• Loss of appetite.

I had sexual intercourse with a lady (unknown HIV status) at the end of September. I did wear a condom. The thing is, she performed oral sex on me and licked my body. And I'm having fungus around my groin (so, there might be some scratches which may leave my blood stream exposed) where she possibly licked. She did lick my anal area as well. I went for a blood test (ELISA screening I & II) on 12 October, 2002. The report stated: HIV - non-reactive.

I'm terribly scared about the infection and thinking of committing suicide. It was my first time and I will regret it for my whole life.

I went for another blood test today and waiting for the result in 3 days time.
Please help me. Will I get HIV from the behaviour I stated above? And are those symptoms from an acute HIV infection?

Thank you very much. I'm waiting for your reply.

Answer provided by:

Daniel Lee, M. D.
Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine
UCSD Medical Center
Owen Clinic

Your symptoms may possibly be related to HIV infection, but I am less inclined to think so. Rimming (oral-anal sex) and oral sex can lead to the transmission of HIV, but the risk is likely lower, as long as there are no open sores or cuts. Nevertheless, one should be tested now and repeated every 6 months or so. These symptoms of fatigue, weight loss, and poor appetite may be suggestive of acute HIV infection, but there are many other causes, as well, such as depression. Diabetes is something that comes to mind, especially with the symptom of having a dry mouth, along with fatigue, weight loss, and poor appetite. It is also possible that you just have a bad cold or the flu. Having a rash can occur for many different reasons, not only with acute HIV infection. The only way to determine what is going on is to see a doctor and to get some blood tests done and have your doctor look at your rashes.

Good luck.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, Elton John AIDS Foundation, John M. Lloyd Foundation, Roche and Trimeris, the National Library of Medicine, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2002. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 2002. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.