HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Diagnosed Parotitis. Had Lymph Node Enlargement Under Ears, Blood Shot Eyes. Had Unprotected Sex. Possibility Of Having HIV?

I was diagnosed with parotitis 3 weeks ago. I had enlargement of my lymph nodes under my ears and that lasted for 10 days. Right after that went away, I dealt with bloodshot eyes for a week. 2 weeks before I was diagnosed, I had a unprotected sexual encounter with a girl. Automatically, that makes me think that I could potentially have HIV. My question is, is that possible? I've done research myself, but would love to get some insight from a professional. Thank you.
Tue, 30 Jul 2013
Report Abuse
Anesthesiologist,  's  Response
Hello,
Welcome to Healthcaremagic.
There are many causes for Parotitis.
Hiv is not only the cause.

Post auricular lymph node enlargement is common in parotitis.
Some causes of Parotitis are
Bacterial infection- it can be easily treated by IV antibiotics.
Viral parotitis - Symptomatic and supportive treatment is essential.
Tuberculous parotitis- need antitubercular drugs.

HIV parotitis is associated with Generalised lymphadenopathy.
Autoimmune disease also cause parotitis.
Inflammation of parotid ducts could be a cause

Sialography to rule out any disease or obstruction in parotid ducts.
Imaging studies CT and MRI are helpful.

So better you need IV antibiotics.
Do Not get worried.
Do HIV -ELISA and Western Blot for Hiv.

Acute viral syndrome by HIV cause flu like symptoms ( Fever, cough, body ache, fatigue).
Hope this helps.
If any doubt, kindly reply.
Take care.







I find this answer helpful

 1 user finds this helpful

1 Doctor agrees with this answer

General & Family Physician,  Dr. Nsah Bernard's  Response
Hello,

Thanks for posting,

It is true that any unprotected sexual activity exposes either partner to HIV infection (especially with a partner with unknown HIV status).
First of all, your symptoms might not be related to a recent HIV infection as the virus usually takes a lot of time to change from an infection stage to a diseases stage (where you actually begin to manifest symptoms related to HIV). This time can be more than 2 years.
The symptoms you have presented might be due to another infection (viral other than HIV, bacteria etc) which could be related to your bloodshot eyes (probably conjunctivitis). You will need a doctor to take a closer look again at your presenting symptoms.
How ever, do run an HIV test now to confirm your present status (if negative or positive) then redo the test after 3 months.

Hope this helps and wish you the best
I find this answer helpful

 1 user finds this helpful

2 Doctors agree with this answer

Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on HIV


Loading Online Doctors....
Diagnosed Parotitis. Had Lymph Node Enlargement Under Ears, Blood Shot Eyes. Had Unprotected Sex. Possibility Of Having HIV?

Hello, Welcome to Healthcaremagic. There are many causes for Parotitis. Hiv is not only the cause. Post auricular lymph node enlargement is common in parotitis. Some causes of Parotitis are Bacterial infection- it can be easily treated by IV antibiotics. Viral parotitis - Symptomatic and supportive treatment is essential. Tuberculous parotitis- need antitubercular drugs. HIV parotitis is associated with Generalised lymphadenopathy. Autoimmune disease also cause parotitis. Inflammation of parotid ducts could be a cause Sialography to rule out any disease or obstruction in parotid ducts. Imaging studies CT and MRI are helpful. So better you need IV antibiotics. Do Not get worried. Do HIV -ELISA and Western Blot for Hiv. Acute viral syndrome by HIV cause flu like symptoms ( Fever, cough, body ache, fatigue). Hope this helps. If any doubt, kindly reply. Take care.