Question 1

I'm feeling really anxious because even though my HIV test came back negative after two years, I'm still experiencing symptoms like oral thrush, tongue pain, itchy lips, and some rashes on my body. My lymph nodes are kind of swollen too. I had an RNA PCR test and it said target not detected, my CD4 count was 1197, and the antibody-antigen serology test was negative. I'm worried because I think I might be a late seroconverter. Should I wait a few more years and keep testing to be sure, or could there be another issue causing these symptoms? Please help. I'm really unsure if I could be negative or positive.

Accepted Answer

Negative HIV test after 2 years, but symptoms persist:
 
 *Interpretation:*
 
 1. HIV-negative status confirmed.
 2. CD4 count (1197) is normal.
 3. RNA PCR (viral load) undetectable.
 4. Antibodyantigen serology negative.
 
 *Symptoms may indicate:*
 
 1. Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS)
 2. Opportunistic infections (e.g., oral thrush)
 3. Allergic reactions
 4. Other health conditions (e.g., autoimmune disorders)
 
 *Recommendations:*
 
 1. Consult an infectious disease specialist or immunologist.
 2. Rule out other infections (e.g., fungal, bacterial).
 3. Consider:
 - Antifungal treatment for oral thrush.
 - Topical creams for lip itching and rashes.
 - Pain management for tongue pain.
 4. Monitor lymph nodes and repeat testing if necessary.
 5. Address anxiety and stress through counseling or support groups.
 
 *Late seroconversion unlikely:*
 
 Given your negative HIV tests and undetectable viral load, late seroconversion is unlikely.

Question 2

So a monkey bit me last week, and I'm a bit unsure about what I should or shouldn't be eating right now. Are there certain foods that I'd need to avoid or be cautious about? I'm really curious to know if my diet needs to change because of this bite.

Accepted Answer

Your 40-minute run and sweating before the blood test likely impacted your fasting blood sugar reading.

_Why Fasting Sugar is High_

1. _Adrenaline and cortisol_: Intense exercise triggers the release of stress hormones, which can raise blood sugar levels.
2. _Dehydration_: Sweating can lead to dehydration, causing blood sugar levels to increase.
3. _Liver glucose release_: Exercise can stimulate the liver to release stored glucose, increasing blood sugar levels.

_Consider Retesting_

Repeat the fasting blood sugar test after a period of rest and a normal diet to get a more accurate reading.

Question 3

I've been dealing with typhoid for the past two months, and it's causing a bunch of issues like relentless weakness, headaches, and nerve pain. I'm really concerned because it doesn't seem to be getting better. Is this normal, or should I be worried about something more serious? What should I do to alleviate these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Given your prolonged symptoms, consult your doctor about possible complications or relapse, and consider further testing (e.g., Widal test, blood culture) to determine the best course of treatment, which may include adjusting your antibiotic regimen or addressing potential underlying conditions contributing to your persistent weakness, headaches, and nerve pain.

Yes ,continue same treatment as advised by the pulmonologist. If symptoms re-appear pulmonologist opinion is advised.

More Infectious Disease Health Queries

So a monkey bit me last week, and I'm a bit unsure about what I should or shouldn't be eating right now. Are there certain foods that I'd need to avoid or be cautious about? I'm really curious to know if my diet needs to change because of this bite.

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