Answered by Shah Sushma Kant

Why is there enlarged node six months after unprotected sex?

Hello doctor,

After my risky exposure with CSW(Community Sex Worker), day 10th HIV(Human Immunodeficiency Virus) RNA(Ribonucleic acid) PCR(Polymerase chain Reaction) with Taqman method and four weeks and 12 weeks CMIA (Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immuno Assay)test at laboratory, all are non-reactive but symptoms appear after six weeks and still a node exists that is enlarged in front of the ear since three months, no change and no pain. Only one symptom, please clarify the node related to ARS(Acute Retroviral Syndrome). My tests are concluded? I have read that six months window period is used for ruling out HIV. Is it true? ARS symptom lymph node exists for how many days?

02 May 2024 - 1 min read

Are body pain, sore throat and tiredness due to HIV?

Hi doctor,

I had unprotected sex with a call girl ten months back. Then after three months, I got my HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) test done and the test was negative. Then again I got the HIV test after six months, the test was negative. Then after eight months, I got my HIV test done again, the test result was negative. I did ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay) test, tri-dot test, Elfa (Enzyme Linked Florescence assay) test, finally western blot test. All test results were negative. I am getting some symptoms like body pain, body tiredness, bitter mouth, sore throat, tightness in neck. So, I am fully scared. My question is that are these symptoms related to HIV or again I have to take another HIV test? Recently I did a WBC (White Blood Cells) count test and it is 12000. I have got Vitamin D test results as 16.6 ng/ml. Is Vitamin D deficiency related to my symptoms? I got Vitamin B12 test results as 188 pg/ml. Is this related to the beginning of HIV infection? I am totally confused. Please answer my questions.

26 Apr 2024 - 1 min read

How does sweat or water contamination affect HIV testing?

Hi doctor,

I took OraQuick Advance Rapid HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) 1/2 antibody test today at a nearby clinic after waiting the window period for exposure of more than 90 days. I was told that the result was negative. My concern may be very paranoid and unnecessary; however, I am more curious than anything. I wanted to know what would happen if for instance a drop of sweat or alcohol or water or any substance landed in the vile that contained the blood sample used for HIV testing? Would that small amount of fluid be enough to affect the test? Subsequently, I had also handed the medical representative a cup of urine for gonorrhea and syphilis. My worry is that some of that urine could have found its way to the vile used for the HIV test. I know this is paranoid but nevertheless wanted to get answered. Thank you so much.

22 Apr 2024 - 1 min read

I got a sore on my lips after sex. Is it related to HIV?

Hello doctor,

I had sex with my fiancee 14 days back without protection and it was her third day of period. Three days after having sex, I got a sore on my lips. I am confused that it happened because of cold or is it something else and from that time continuously, I have a sludge kind of cold. Please find the attached sore image and suggest.

18 Apr 2024 - 1 min read

What could cause vaginal discharge and cramping after sex in a woman with history of chlamydia infection?

Hello doctor,

I had sexual contact with a new partner. My new partner told me he was free of any sexually transmitted diseases. However, I have been experiencing vaginal discharge, discomfort, and cramping. Previously I tested positive for chlamydia and cleared of lupus. I am currently not on any medication or have undergone any lab tests. Should I be worried?

27 Mar 2024 - 1 min read