Expert: John Thai, M.D. - 4/10/2009

Question
I have a long question. I began dating my current partner on Aug. 19, 2007. On Oct. 7, 2007, we both got tested for HIV and were negative. We are completely monogamous and began having unprotected sex since getting tested. Then in early Feb. 2008, I got a slight fever and had a painful ulcer on the inside of my mouth. Each only lasted a few days then went away, no other symptoms. I didn't think anything of it at the time, but for some reason, recently started worrying about it. I keep reading conflicting reports online about ulcers and HIV. Some sites say mouth ulcers could be an early symptom of HIV infection, while many other sites say ulcers are a later stage symptom, like after many years. What's true? I'm worried.

Answer
Hi Mike,

Those who are infected with HIV may have opportunistic oral infections. Without properly observing the oral lesion, I am unable to advise you the type of lesion you may have had. Having oral lesions do not mean you have HIV. If you are HIV positive, there is a higher risk of getting infected due to a poor immune system.

As your painful lesion only lasted a few days with a mild fever, it most likely is an aphthous ulcer that is self-limited.

To ease your concerns, it is always advised to have an HIV test once every 3 months as long as you are sexually active.

Best Regards,

John Thai, MD