Being at risk of HIV infection

Hi and welcome to the forum! I am glad that I can help you.

You would like to know whether you might be at risk of infection with HIV.

Human immune deficiency virus causes weakening of the immune system leading to a condition called AIDS, which is characterized with opportunistic infections and various kinds of cancers. The HIV infection develops through four stages. The first stage, called the incubation period is asymptomatic. It usually lasts from two to four weeks. The second stage is called acute infection. It usually lasts an average of 28 days. It is characterized with symptoms such as fever, lymphadenopathy, sore throat, rash, muscle pain, malaise, mouth and esophageal sores. The third stage is called latency stage. It shows few or no symptoms and can last anywhere from two weeks to twenty years. AIDS is the fourth and final stage of HIV infection.

Given the data that you described, you may or may not be experiencing HIV infection. You might want to get diagnostic tests for HIV such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blot, or an immunofluorescence assay (IFA). These tests may be done 12 weeks after the event because the human body needs between 2 weeks and 12 weeks to develop antibodies against HIV. The increased blood pressure that you experienced may be due to stress and worries, or due to an underlying condition such as atherosclerosis. You may also consider having laboratory tests for glikemia and lipid status.

Please keep in mind that I provide medical information only. I am not able to diagnose medical conditions online. Please contact your doctor for further advice and information about diagnosis of possible HIV infection.