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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suffering From Burning Hands And Legs. Took Acyclovir. Fever At Night. Had Unprotected Sex. Early Symptoms Of HIV?

I had unprotected sex and acquired hsv2 in April, Was tested negative hiv 16 days later. I finished 10 days acyclovir and had no other symptoms but burning hands and arms started on June 6. I went back to Dr. and tested for other STDs all negative. I started acyclovir 500mg last week. The burning of hands arms and chest neuropathy has been going on for about 2 weeks. I am going back for hiv test again. I am scarred to death my body is fighting the acute early phase started week 6 , burning hands, arms. Moved to chest yesterday with this being my only symptom of hiv. It is worse at night and when lying down. This is from all the reading online from latest articles. It is definitely an early hiv symptom. Only temp spikes a night 96.5 a few times.

Fri, 28 Jun 2013
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello dear,

First of all, please do not self-diagnose yourself with the materials available online.
HIV cannot be diagnosed only with the basis of symptoms.

The complaints of burning sensation in hands & arms can be due to:
1. Any fluctuation in the blood pressure & blood sugar levels.
2. Inadequate hydration status & electrolyte balance of the body.
3. Deficiencies of certain nutrients like Iron, Vit B6, Vitamin B 12, Folic acid, etc. which helps in blood formation & nerve conduction.
4. Hormonal & metabolic causes.
5. Stress, inadequate sleep, etc.

So, kindly consult a Physician for proper clinical examination.
Investigations like complete blood count, estimation of blood pressure & blood sugar levels will be helpful to rule out any pathological cause for the symptoms.

And regarding your concerns about acquiring HIV infection, I advise you to undergo certain tests like p24 assay or PCR for HIV.
These tests become positive within a week and are almost 100 % sensitive.
Even the presence of a single virus in the body can be detected by PCR.
So, if this test comes negative, you can be sure that you are safe.

Wishing you a good health.
Take care.
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General & Family Physician,  Dr. Arun Mohan M V's  Response
Hello,

Acute HIV infection does occur 2 – 4 weeks after exposure, but neurological symptoms as you described is a rare event and seldom occurs without any of the following : fever, lymphadenopathy (swelling in neck, axilla etc.), rash, myalgia, malaise, mouth and esophageal sores, pharyngitis,.

You are most likely suffering from the neurological adverse effects of Acyclovir, but please do complete the entire course.

The only way to know whether you are infected or not is the test, no symptoms or signs at this early period can definitely indicate HIV infection.

Next time be sure to use both Pre (condom) & Post(Anti-retroviral therapy) Exposure Prophylaxis.

Wishing you good health,
Dr. Arun Mohan
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Suffering From Burning Hands And Legs. Took Acyclovir. Fever At Night. Had Unprotected Sex. Early Symptoms Of HIV?

Hello dear, First of all, please do not self-diagnose yourself with the materials available online. HIV cannot be diagnosed only with the basis of symptoms. The complaints of burning sensation in hands & arms can be due to: 1. Any fluctuation in the blood pressure & blood sugar levels. 2. Inadequate hydration status & electrolyte balance of the body. 3. Deficiencies of certain nutrients like Iron, Vit B6, Vitamin B 12, Folic acid, etc. which helps in blood formation & nerve conduction. 4. Hormonal & metabolic causes. 5. Stress, inadequate sleep, etc. So, kindly consult a Physician for proper clinical examination. Investigations like complete blood count, estimation of blood pressure & blood sugar levels will be helpful to rule out any pathological cause for the symptoms. And regarding your concerns about acquiring HIV infection, I advise you to undergo certain tests like p24 assay or PCR for HIV. These tests become positive within a week and are almost 100 % sensitive. Even the presence of a single virus in the body can be detected by PCR. So, if this test comes negative, you can be sure that you are safe. Wishing you a good health. Take care.