Dear Doctor, I had sex with a prostitute 2 months back. I have recurrent pain in lymph nodes and itching. My doctor prescribed sodium diclofenac and alegra. The pain and itching reduced. But as soon as I stoped alegra itching again started. I had developed herpes zoster 1.5 yrs back when I had sex with a prostitute. I experience pain in my buttocks also. Other than pain and itching I don't have any problem. I didn't have fever either. Is it HIV or other viral infection e.g herpes? Please help.

I recommend that an HIV test get done in any adult who gets herpes zoster, just to be sure this does not represent a manifestation of HIV. As for your more recent symptoms, I would certainly go ahead and repeat or get HIV testing now. You should also get tested for other sexual infections, including herpes and syphilis. If you are going to be so worried about the consequences of having contact with prostitutes, you may wish to take this opportunity to design a way to make different decisions about your sexual practices in the future. Good luck...