Do red spots and a cough after sex indicate HIV infection?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had sex with a sex worker 45 days back. During this, my condom broke, and I immediately withdrew my penis and went to the washroom, and cleaned my penis with water. After this incident, I have had a slight cough and small red spots on my hand. Can this be an HIV (HUman Immunodeficiency Virus) symptom? Please help me.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Unprotected sexual encounters are a risk factor for multiple STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), including HIV. Condom slippage is considered condom failure, and it is regarded as an unprotected act. However, the risk of acquiring HIV through the sexual route is as low as 0.02 to 0.5 %. HIV has a window period of up to three months, during which the test results can be a false negative. Hence, it is advisable to get a screening test done now and again 12 weeks after the last exposure.

Coming to your symptoms, they appear non-specific and unlikely to be due to HIV. The usual symptoms are fever, joint pains, and skin rashes which last hardly a few days and usually start around two to three months after getting infected. The investigations to be done are ELISA, HBsAg (hepatitis B surface antigen), anti-HCV (hepatitis C virus), and VDRL (venereal disease research laboratory test).

Answer 2

Hi, Welcome back to icliniq.com.

HIV, in the early stages, does not lead to any symptoms and is usually picked up on testing. Therefore, you should not panic and get an HIV ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay) test done 12 weeks after the last exposure to confirm your infection status.