symptoms of primary infection - TheBody.com's Bulletin Boards

I would like to ask a few questions about primary HIV infection. Approximately 4 weeks ago, I developed an illness with a sudden onset of fever and mild sore throat--following a night of staying out really late and having lots of alcohol. The morning following the onset of symptons, I went to see a doctor. Other than fever (103-104) and the mild sore throat, I had no other symptoms. My lungs were clear, no head congestion, and no
cough. I never experienced any nausea, vomiting, or diarhea. My right cervical lymph node was swollen. The doctor did a CBC and found that I had an elevated white count (15,000)which made him believe that the cause was
bacterial. I was started on an antibiotic. After 3 doses, my fevers subsided (lasted ~ 2 days)-- and I only missed 3 days of work. I also had a couple of outbreaks of apthous ulcers following this intial illness-- and I've read that those occur in 10-20% of patients during primary infection--however, I've had those all of my life.

Approximately 1 1/2 weeks pass by, and I'm in perfect health. The following week, I developed severe allergy symptoms (which is very common for me during this time of the year). After a week of allergy problems with clear
secretions, my secretions changed to a yellowish-brown color and I developed a high fever. I went to the doctor and was diagnosed with acute sinusitis--although I have absolutely NO pain over my sinuses--I've never been told that I've had a sinus infection in the past-- but I always assumed that you would experience facial pain. I have been on an antibiotic for 3 days now, but I am still running fevers of 103-104 (upon awakening in the morning-- then I keep them down with tylenol during the day). My right cervical lymph node is extremely swollen and just yesterday, the left one has become tender and enlarged. The doctor did not seem to be very alarmed as he felt that I clearly had an explanation for the enlarged lymph node-- I just don't ever recall having had them so enlarged.
It also remained enlarged in between these two infections.

As far as my sexual practices, I was practically monogomous for 7 years. However, my last relationship just recently ended, and I have been a single man for the past 4 months. I'll admit that I have been playing the field during this time period, but I always consider my activity to be safe. Any type of intercourse is always protected (exception: recent encounter of anal intercourse where I was the "inserter" and the condom broke-- but I
immediately withdrew). Oral sex is unprotected, but I never allow ejaculation in my mouth. I consider myself to be at the low risk end of a HIGH risk group.

My questions are as follows:

1) Does anyone know how soon after exposure one typically develops symptoms? (my first illness developed 4 days after the incidence of the condom breaking)

2) I've read that a rash occurs in >70% of patients during primary infection. I have not experienced a rash during either of my illnesses.
What type of rash do patients generally develop? Is it all over the body-- something that would not go unnoticed?

3) Would it be consistent with primary infection to have 2 rounds of illness with a period of perfect health in between?

4) Are the swollen lymph nodes usually painful or just enlarged?

5) Any comments on my recent CBC? I've read that clinical abnormalities during primary infection can include leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. I had
just the opposite-- leukocytosis and my platelets were normal.

The physicians that I saw were in a minor emergency clinic setting. The one that I saw this week was very convinced that I had a sinus infection based on the allergy history (which he said often sets you up for an infection),
my purulent discharge, and the fact that my nasal passages were inflamed and swollen. I am well aware of the fact that an HIV test is the only definitive answer; however, I did not discuss my sexual habits with either physican, and they did not inquire about such. I do have an appointment
with a physician in September to establish myself as a new patient and so forth. I will feel comfortable discussing such issues with her at that time and will definitely get tested.

I am in the healthcare field and consider
myself to be fairly well-informed about AIDS. Perhaps knowing too much leads to the level of paranoia that I am now experiencing. I think it's difficult for me to just accept the fact that I, too, can get sick and not
be infected with HIV. However, considering the circumstances, I worry.

I would greatly appreciate any thoughts that anybody may have.

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