Question:

I would be eternally grateful if you could answer my questions. About seven months ago, I had unprotected anal sex with someone of unknown status (I was the insertive partner). A few weeks later, and a couple of weeks after noticing the symptoms, I was admitted to hospital with swollen glands, sore throat, extreme fatigue, a rash on chest, and palms, and diarrhea. I told the doctors of my possible exposure, and I was tested with ELISA and P24 antigen for HIV, both returned negative at around seven weeks. I was told by the doctors at the hospital to work with my GP to find the cause of my symptoms. I then had multiple other tests, for bacterial infections, allergies, full blood counts, and "ESR" test...all returning normal. I decided to go back to GUM, and test again at five months - again negative for HIV and all other STI's. However, my symptoms have persisted, and nothing has been found as the cause. My question is, would ARS symptoms persist like this? The rash on my chest and palms are still very striking, and the glands very swollen in my neck, tender glands also in groin and underarms, as well as sore throat and fatigue. I have also been treated for thrush in the past months. If these symptoms were indeed due to HIV, would one of the tests been reactive by now?

I have never before had more than a cold, and am becoming increasingly anxious to know what's going on, I would be grateful for any advice or comments you have to offer, many thanks.
--A guy from the UK

Answer provided by:

Mark H. Katz, M.D.
Regional HIV/AIDS Physician Coordinator
Kaiser Permanente of Southern California

It certainly seems as if one of the tests would have been positive by now if this were due to HIV. Two other factors which weigh against it: The odds of acquiring HIV from a single act of intercourse is less than 1 in many thousands- -and that is when one partner is HIV+. Thus, the chances are infinitesimally small. Secondly, I have never seen the symptoms of ARS last more than a few days to a couple of weeks. It would be unusual for these symptoms to last this long if this were indeed due to HIV.

I assume you were tested for syphilis, as this may present with such symptoms.

Good luck, and remember to consider using protection for all such encounters in the future. It could prevent HIV and other infections.

070312
ASKD070307

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.

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 ©1980,2011. 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.