Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.
The participation of Dr. Ewald Horwath in this Forum is made possible by Boehringer Ingelheim.
Ask the Experts about Mental Health and HIV
Rape and HIV fear
Aug 21, 2008
3 weeks ago, I was date raped by this guy. Of course, he didn't use a condom. 12 days after the incident, I got flu-like symptoms which come and go - sore throat and sometimes my legs/arms are hot as if I have a fever. But when I check my body temperature, it's normal. Even now, my right leg feels hot and my throat feels funny. I've had some muscle pain but no swollen lymph nodes.
I haven't told anyone about the rape which angers me as well as possible HIV. Are these symptoms of early HIV?
Response from Dr. Horwath
First, you should report the rape. There is no reason to let him get away with this.
The symptoms you are having are very non-specific. They could be due to anxiety or a variety of other causes other than HIV. The only way to know if you've been exposed is to go for an HIV antibody test. You can get tested now, but it will be more conclusive if you wait 12 weeks after potential exposure.
Please remember that this forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not engaged through this
forum in rendering legal or medical advice or professional services. Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible
for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither The Body nor any sponsor is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.
Questions and messages posted to this forum are not statements of advice, opinion, or information of The Body, Body Health Resources Corporation or any sponsor of this
forum. While neither The Body nor Body Health Resources Corporation regularly reviews posted content, we reserve the right to delete, move, or
edit postings if we deem it appropriate under the circumstances. Visitors submitting questions remain solely responsible for the content of their
messages.
Information provided by experts is general only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease, or relied upon as
legal or other professional advice. This information is not a substitute for professional advice or care. If you have or suspect you may have a
health or legal problem, you should consult your own health care provider or your attorney.
