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What Causes Swollen Tonsils Along With White Spots And Fatigue After Unprotected Sex?

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Posted on Fri, 7 Jul 2017
Question: Hello, I had unprotected sex 11 days ago. 5 days after, I had swollen tonsils with white spots, aches, and fatigue. After 3 days of that, it went away for a day and then the swollen tonsils and sore throat came back for another 10 hours. It is now 11 days later... my tonsils seem swollen but not in pain and that is my only symptom. What could this possibly be? I'm scared I could have contracted HIV from this man because I don't know his status and neither does he. Could I get symptoms for early HIV this fast? What else could this be?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (47 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Advise to followup with primary care provider,safer to get HIV testing done

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for trusting HCM

Swollen tonsils along with white spots are likely due to Streptococcal infection, infectious mononucleosis (viral infection), oral herpes (seen when engaging in oral sex).
However, it is very difficult to differentiate acute HIV syndrome from the above-mentioned infections. So I would recommend that it is safer to get HIV testing done, especially since you had a recent sexual partner with unknown HIV status.

Please be advised to follow-up with a primary care provider to undergo HIV testing, throat swab, and culture (to look for strep throat/herpes infection) and heterophile antibody testing to rule out mono.

Hope this answer your question
Please address further questions here
Regard
Dr.Lekshmi
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (22 minutes later)
Can accute hiv symptoms be present only 5 days after possible exposure
doctor
Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (12 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Follow up answer

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

Developing acute HIV syndrome only 5 days after exposure is highly unlikely. The more likely possibility in your case is strep throat/ Infectious mononucleosis.
Acute HIV syndrome usually occurs when your body develops an immune response to HIV virus. It can vary greatly from person to person and some individuals do not develop any symptoms at all.
The usual time frame to develop acute HIV syndrome is 1-3 weeks after exposure.
Even though HIV is a highly unlikely possibility in your case, I recommend an HIV testing done to just be safe and for peace of mind.

Hope this answer your question
Please address further questions here
Regard
Dr.Lekshmi
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (1 hour later)
Donyou reccommend taking the HIV RNA test if it is thought that there was recent exposure?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Follow up answer

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

HIV RNA/ viral load testing is the best choice in case of acute infections.
Testing for antibody levels is not ideal because the antibodies can go undetectable so early in the infection.

Hope this answer your question
Please address further questions here
Regards
Dr.Lekshmi
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 3808 Questions

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What Causes Swollen Tonsils Along With White Spots And Fatigue After Unprotected Sex?

Brief Answer: Advise to followup with primary care provider,safer to get HIV testing done Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank you for trusting HCM Swollen tonsils along with white spots are likely due to Streptococcal infection, infectious mononucleosis (viral infection), oral herpes (seen when engaging in oral sex). However, it is very difficult to differentiate acute HIV syndrome from the above-mentioned infections. So I would recommend that it is safer to get HIV testing done, especially since you had a recent sexual partner with unknown HIV status. Please be advised to follow-up with a primary care provider to undergo HIV testing, throat swab, and culture (to look for strep throat/herpes infection) and heterophile antibody testing to rule out mono. Hope this answer your question Please address further questions here Regard Dr.Lekshmi