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AIDS/Swollen Lymph Nodes

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Expert: Terry B - 11/1/2007


Question
5 Weeks ago, I shook a person's hand when I had a 24-48 hour old cut on my own hand.  Later that day, when I asked the person if he had any cuts on his hands, he claimed that he didn't.  Now, 5 weeks later, I got a pimple in my armpit, which has a hard lump underneath it.  Now, this scares the bloody hell out of me because I know that 3-6 weeks after exposure to HIV, your lymph nodes swell.  Do swollen lymph nodes ever resemble pimples (if you squeeze them, they'll pop and ooze pus)?  Or, am I simply turning an anthill into a mountain?

Answer
Dear Xyz:

Peace.  You cannot contract HIV through casual contact such as a handshake.  Your symptoms are less indicative of lymphatic problems than they are of cystic acne - and dermatology is outside my area of expertise.  Please see a health provider for diagnosis and treatment, you should find that there are medications and topical treatments which can help greatly.   As for making mountains... things that scare you are always important and I am glad you asked.

Sincerely,

Terry

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Terry B

Expertise

Help in assessing personal and professional risk of HIV transmission; tips in teaching about HIV/AIDS; cultural competency for teaching about HIV/AIDS in Catholic settings; considerations in US and overseas HIV/AIDS programs and education for health and other professionals. Specific questions about treatment should be referred to your health provider; opinions and information offered are not meant to replace medical advice

Experience

Seven years with academic medical center and national AIDS education and training center, seven subsequent years with focus on international HIV/AIDS in East and South Africa. Former clinician, bioethics preceptor at an academic medical center and presenter in wide range of fora including international AIDS conference.

Organizations
Disabled American Veterans American Public Health Association MENSA AA

Publications
Human Variety, EC Sociological Society Proceedings of the International AIDS Conference, Durban, South Africa "HIV and Primary Care"

Education/Credentials
BS Psychology MPH Master of Public Health PhD studies underway

Awards and Honors
Naval School of Health Sciences, Hospital Corps with Highest Honors, Neuropsychiatry with Honors and High Distinction

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