Fellow Irondequoit native, second request to you. After a month, my neck glands are still swollen. I had a couple of risky exposures 4 years ago. I went to a walkin clinic again yesterday (different one 2 wks ago had negative strep.) Congestion in my nose has been somewhat consistent, swollen neck glands and doc said very slightly noticable in back of neck, but not really inflamed there. Mono test yesterday was negative. Blood work all completely normal range for all CDC including viral, lympy, bacterial, mono...all normal. No HIV test results from insurance company yet. Could I be progressing with HIV symptoms after only 4 years? Negative test 4 years ago, can't remember if it was 3, 4, 5 or 6 months after exposure. Please help, I'm going crazy with worry!!

Hello Irondequoitarian,

If you had a negative HIV test "3, 4, 5 or 6 months after exposure," HIV is not your problem. No way. No how.

Do I think you are "progressing with HIV symptoms after 4 years?" No, because you don't have HIV! If you're worried, get a single rapid HIV test. The results will undoubtedly be negative.

You should be worrying about that crummy Irondequoit winter weather, not an illness you could not possibly have, OK?

Be well.

Dr. Bob