Are HIV or PrEP causing symptoms?

Are HIV or PrEP causing symptoms?
Published on, 11 April, 2024. Answered by Dr. Nopporn Apiwattanakul and Verified by Dr.Galen Team
Patient Question

Hello Doctor,

 

Could the symptoms of feeling hot, sweaty, thirsty, along with knee and arm pain, and increased screaming, three days after having sex four months ago, indicate either HIV infection or side effects of PrEP medication?

 

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out to Dr.Galen. Please find the below response to your query.

 

HIV infection: While HIV can manifest with flu-like symptoms shortly after exposure, it's uncommon for symptoms to appear as early as three days post-exposure. HIV testing is advisable if there's a concern about potential exposure.

 

PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis) side effects: Some individuals may experience side effects such as nausea, fatigue, or headache when initiating PrEP medication. However, the symptoms described don't commonly align with typical PrEP side effects.

 

Hot, sweaty, and thirsty: These symptoms can be indicative of various conditions, including infections or dehydration. It's essential to consider other accompanying symptoms and medical history.

 

Knee and arm pain: Joint pain can have numerous causes, ranging from injuries to inflammatory conditions. It's crucial to evaluate the severity and duration of the pain.

 

Increased screaming: Emotional distress or physical discomfort could contribute to increased vocalization. Understanding the context surrounding the screaming is important for a comprehensive assessment.

 

Thanks

 


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About Dr. Nopporn Apiwattanakul

Dr. Nopporn Apiwattanakul

Infectious Disease Specialist


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