Expert: Terry B - 10/19/2008

Question
Hello, I'm 17 year old girl, I had unprotected sex with a guy two times (once 5 months ago and other time 2 months ago), and now I'm worried if i could have HIV. The thing is i had allergy for Fanta and some other colored drinks when i was little, but I didn't have it for a long time but now I have an allergy for Nestea Peach(i didn't have it before) .. there are red bumps (about on cm in diameter and are itchy) on my arm and legs sometimes when i drink it. Could it be a symptom on HIV? I know it may sound ridiculous but  I'm really worried!(i read from the Internet that HIV could make allergies worse) The guy i had sex with has had a lot of girlfriends and possibly even had sex with some guys(there are rumors) :S   I really haven't had any other symptoms.. i had slight fever once about a month ago.. but the weather is quite cold here and my friend caught the fever from me too. My throat is sore sometimes but i have had it every winter. So please tell me should i be worried?

Answer
Dear Lily:

Peace. I need explain that I am not a physician, and only an "in person" visit with a qualified health care provider can examine, run appropriate tests, and determine the cause of your itchy bumps, as well as prescribe appropriate treatment.  I would begin by advising you see someone about the allergies.

About your HIV risk, yes, you should be concerned but not necessarily worried.  If you have unprotected sex with someone you know has multiple partners (females can contract and transmit HIV) you are placing yourself and your future loved ones in harm's way.  

Trying to self-diagnose HIV from symptoms is dangerous.  As you already know, some conditions are the same or similar to those of early and late HIV infection.  The possibility of contracting other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI/STD such as herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, etc....) is high if you are exchanging fluids with a person with multiple partners.  The potential damage to your body and sense of self are tremendous.  

There is only one way to know if you are or are not infected with HIV, and that is to be tested.  Your doctor can provide you with a reliable test for HIV and other STI as well as counseling and treatment.  Confidential and anonymous testing sites are also available with qualified counselors and reliable tests.

In summary, you have a skin condition that would benefit from a doctor's exam and care, and have placed yourself at significant risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.  I urge you to seek out a qualified professional to provide you the facts you need to take charge of your health.

The best to you and yours,

Terry