Expert: Terry B - 12/15/2008

Question
Hi...A couple months ago (2)months I had unprotected sex with my boyfriend it was our first time without a condom. Anyway I'm a real stickler for my health but lately I've been noticing these unusual marks on my legs....I had the symptoms except the swollen lymph nodes and i didn't have a fever or rash or thrush in my mouth...Is there a possibility to be HIV+ but missing symptoms? How do Kaposi Sarcoma begin....I am really paranoid with these spots Since I'm feeling this way I've done research Over and over... I clearly remember having loose stool, fatigue, sore throat (it wasn't really hurting just felt abnormal) and that's about it. Do all lymph nodes/glands swell when infected? Can  
lymph nodes be swollen and go unnoticed?

I really need help
I thank you for your time and patience and taking the time to answer my question

Have a nice day!

Answer
Dear Vanessa:

Peace.  First - get tested.  That's the only way to know if you are infected or not.  It's cheap and reliable.  

Second - yes, you can be infected and not describe the same symptoms some others describe. Acute viral infection symptoms vary from person to person.

Third - Kaposi's Sarcoma has been tied to Human Herpes Simplex Virus and when it occurs, it is usually as a late stage manifestation of a severely compromised immune system, or an "AIDS defining condition"; it seems to me unlikely that this would be a symptom you would experience at this juncture if it were HIV.  Seeing a doctor about the spots on your legs is the appropriate response if you are concerned.

Best to you and yours,

Terry