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Is Rhinitis A Sign Of HIV?
Question: Hi I had an exposure to hiv on May 25 th and came down with a severely congested nose accompanied by numbness and sneezing , and what felt like head fullness on XXXXXXX 22 four weeks later . I have read online that rhinnitis is not part of ars or acute hiv infection but yet the information is some what contradicting , is it a a symptom of acute ars or not?, and if it is why would I be all nose and nothing else , no fever, no rash. I experience numbness and sneezing repeatedly and it developed in to a sinusitis condition . All nasal.
Brief Answer:
detailed below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Welcome to Healthcare Magic.
I am Dr.Rovena Murati , I read carefully your query and I can understand your concern.
Rhinitis (nasal secretions and sneezing ) is not a symptom of primary HIV infection.After 2-4 weeks of infection many people can develop flu-like symptoms (fever,rash,fatigue,swollen lymphnodes ,sore throat , muscle aches,headache etc) but only nasal symptoms are not suggestive for HIV.The flu like symptoms are related with the reaction of the body to the infection ,so the symptoms are general and not localized.
You need to know that these symptoms of primary HIV infection don't happen in all cases.It is possible to be infected and never have any symptom at all.
So if you had a possible exposure to HIV you need to get tested even if you don't have any symptom suggestive for HIV.
You can do an antibody test ,that considering the time when the exposure happened,would be very accurate and conclusive.
This is the only way to exclude definitely a possible HIV infection and put your mind at rest.
Hope it helps.
Please feel free to ask for every question you might have.I would be happy to help.
Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati
detailed below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Welcome to Healthcare Magic.
I am Dr.Rovena Murati , I read carefully your query and I can understand your concern.
Rhinitis (nasal secretions and sneezing ) is not a symptom of primary HIV infection.After 2-4 weeks of infection many people can develop flu-like symptoms (fever,rash,fatigue,swollen lymphnodes ,sore throat , muscle aches,headache etc) but only nasal symptoms are not suggestive for HIV.The flu like symptoms are related with the reaction of the body to the infection ,so the symptoms are general and not localized.
You need to know that these symptoms of primary HIV infection don't happen in all cases.It is possible to be infected and never have any symptom at all.
So if you had a possible exposure to HIV you need to get tested even if you don't have any symptom suggestive for HIV.
You can do an antibody test ,that considering the time when the exposure happened,would be very accurate and conclusive.
This is the only way to exclude definitely a possible HIV infection and put your mind at rest.
Hope it helps.
Please feel free to ask for every question you might have.I would be happy to help.
Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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