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Can HIV Be Contracted Through Unprotected Sex?
Question: I have written in about an unsafe sex practice I had nearly 3 weeks ago with another man. this person says they are clean but I know they have slept with a lot of people. in the weeks since, I have had dihorrea, flu symptoms, headaches... etc. I have went to my doctor and tested negative for stds including HIV... but is it too early? I am feeling mostly better, besides headaches are still there. I also noticed today that my tongue was white... which also says is a sign of HIV. I am just freaking out that I have HIV and would like to know if you can test negative for HIV but still have all the symptoms?
Brief Answer:
The risk of HIV is very unlikely.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
Welcome to HCM.
You had unsafe sex with another man of unknown status but the test result after 3 weeks is negative than the risk of getting HIV is very unlikely so don't worry.
White tongue can be due to many reasons other than HIV as may be in your case. You can go for repeat testing after one month with 4th generation HIV Duos test to get more reliable and accurate result. Be relaxed and get back to me again with test result. For any other query you can write to me any time.
Thank You
The risk of HIV is very unlikely.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
Welcome to HCM.
You had unsafe sex with another man of unknown status but the test result after 3 weeks is negative than the risk of getting HIV is very unlikely so don't worry.
White tongue can be due to many reasons other than HIV as may be in your case. You can go for repeat testing after one month with 4th generation HIV Duos test to get more reliable and accurate result. Be relaxed and get back to me again with test result. For any other query you can write to me any time.
Thank You
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
I am also having stiff neck, tingling in hands... I just find it odd that I am having all of these issues that seem to all be symptoms of HIV. I guess my question is... if all the symptoms are present... does that conclude that if it was HIV then regardless of the time frame... if the syptoms are there then test would have been positive?
Brief Answer:
These are not peculiar symptoms of HIV.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
Welcome back and thanks for follow-up.
The symptoms you had mentioned are non-specific for HIV so don't get feared or tensed. Tingling in hands and stiff neck may be due to some vitamin deficiency so you can consult physician to isolate the cause and follow the treatment regime as per the advice. Get tested without any fear to clear your doubts because presence of these symptoms has no effect on the result so be relaxed and move on.
Thank You
These are not peculiar symptoms of HIV.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
Welcome back and thanks for follow-up.
The symptoms you had mentioned are non-specific for HIV so don't get feared or tensed. Tingling in hands and stiff neck may be due to some vitamin deficiency so you can consult physician to isolate the cause and follow the treatment regime as per the advice. Get tested without any fear to clear your doubts because presence of these symptoms has no effect on the result so be relaxed and move on.
Thank You
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
so could I have HIV and have all these symptoms but since it hasn't been 3 months then I could still test negative for some time? I ask for my own knowledge but also and importantly, I have a girlfriend whom has no idea I had tried being with a man... and I would never want to pass such a horrible condition on to her...
Brief Answer:
The possibility of HIV is very unlikely.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
Welcome back once again.
It is true that the window period for HIV varies from 15 days to 3 months and it is mandatory to get tested after this period to declare any one absolutely free from HIV but the risk very unlikely or practically nil in your case so don't get anxious. Calm down your self and forget about the incidence.
Thank You
The possibility of HIV is very unlikely.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
Welcome back once again.
It is true that the window period for HIV varies from 15 days to 3 months and it is mandatory to get tested after this period to declare any one absolutely free from HIV but the risk very unlikely or practically nil in your case so don't get anxious. Calm down your self and forget about the incidence.
Thank You
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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