Dr Wohl,

I will outline my situation and would appreciate your honest assessment.

10 weeks ago had 2 incidences of protected sex with a CSW. This involved massage, protected oral, protected vaginal insertion, removing penis, condom taken off and CSW masturbating me over her chest.

Now my rationale head believes this to be a low risk encounter, but regrettably my rationale thoughts have long since gone out of the window and I am now convinced I am HIV +

Weeks 1-5 no symptoms

Week 6. Small rash on back of hand, about the size of a playing card. Very itchy, red and inflamed. Could be as a result of the gardening I was doing (soil, plants, compost etc) but as I say, the rationale thinking has stopped. Anxiety kicked in and I foolishly started reading mis-informed sites that described HIV and convinced myself that I have been infected.

Week 7. rash continued, took some allergy tablets and itch seemed to go away now just left with some dry skin. Anxiety increased, coupled with very stressful situation at work developing.

Week 8. Can't recall any symptoms as off work on annual leave but anxiety remained

Week 9. Returned to work, mild Headaches and sore throat. I'd say a mild sore throat as with a strepsil and hot drink I could not notice. I think Dr Bob once described it as a 'fishbone in the throat' feeling.. started suffering from hayfever so that may explain the headaches and throat but I still remain convinced!

Week 10 (this week) still a 'sore throat', headaches all but gone, very mild ear blockage but had problems with ears before and sinuses but again it's all compounding my anxiety as I can't seem to read anything on ARS without me concluding, 'yep, I'm infected'.

No other symptoms to note during this period.

This has affected me beyond belief and I'm struggling to cope to be truthful. I am not brave enough to go and get tested yet but I would value your view point on the symptoms i am having and HIV risk.

Your support and time is greatly appreciated.

This is not ARS. Acute infection comes and then goes. It does not linger and I have never seen it present with an itchy rash on the hand (rather it is a generalized red rash like a sunburn all over the body).

Your encounter sounds like zero risk to me. As you are doubt, you should get an HIV test and believe the result. My bet is it will be negative.

DW