Question

I'm worried that a reaction to antibiotics are symptoms of HIV

11 June 2007. Related: All topics, HIV transmission, Side effects.

Hi

I had unprotected sex with a woman, about 5 weeks ago, I did not come inside her and it was one of those half drunk occasions but we did have full, but mostly not fully erect, sex and oral sex, but two weeks later i went to a gum clinic just to be sure and was told i had the beginnings of an STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) and was given a 1 gram dose of the antibiotic azithromycin.

I have had some side effects to this drug like itchy skin and tongue burning and around the eyes but was worried it may be symptoms of HIV. I feel fit and still runing down gym ,but tired around the eyes, no aches or pains and no swollen glands but have a couple of ulcers in my mouth now and my throat was a bit raw. This is the 5th week since i had sex.

I know this drug can cause a lot of problems and looking at the web site for people who have taken this antibiotic it can upset the body for a long time. but you start to get paranoid and then worry about why these ulcers are here and have i caught HIV.

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

Although most people do not have trouble with antibiotics, some people get side effects and you may just be unlucky with this.

The symptoms you describe do not sound like symptoms of HIV, but if you have any questions, or if you decide to take an HIV test, then get back in touch with the GUM clinic.

Paranoia and worry can also cause the same symptoms.

This link contains an interesting discussion on symptoms of HIV seroconversion (early infection) and worry in people at low risk of having caught HIV.