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Severe cough
I have unprotected anal sex on 10th September 2024 . After that I have severe respiratory infection on 10th july 2025which lasted for 2weeks even after taking Doxcef CV 200, Ascoril LS and montek lc . My CBC showed TLC 5200,everything normal except low absolute monocyte count 150. Can it be due to HIV ??
Answers (29)
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A severe respiratory infection occurring several months after an unprotected sexual encounter is not specific for HIV. Also, an isolated low absolute monocyte count is usually not used to diagnose HIV.
However, since unprotected anal intercourse carries a risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, the only way to know your status is through appropriate testing.
Next Steps
HIV 1 & 2 (4th generation Ag/Ab test) if not already done.
Screening for other STIs as advised by your physician.
Clinical evaluation if cough persists or recurs.
Health Tips
A normal CBC does not rule out or confirm HIV. Please consult a physician for proper testing and counselling.
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Check for HIV antibody test if you are in doubt. Your TLC is normal.
Gap between Your unprotected sexual exposure and your symptoms of cough was too long. They both are not associated.
Next Steps
check HIV antibody test done and feel free to consult me on practo
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Sever infection can increase or decrease AMC
Get tested for HIV
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Cbc don't say about hiv.
U need to go for hiv test.
U rin high risk exposure category
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A respiratory infection lasting 2 weeks after a known high-risk exposure does warrant HIV testing â not necessarily to say your current illness is caused by HIV, but because you have a documented risk event from September 2024, and 10 months is more than sufficient time for any HIV test to give a completely conclusive result. Your TLC of 5200 is within normal range, which is somewhat reassuring. However, prolonged respiratory infections can occur in HIV-positive individuals when immunity is affected, and the only definitive answer comes from testing â not from symptoms or CBC alone.
Next Steps
Please get a 4th generation HIV test (HIV 1&2 antibody + p24 antigen combo) done immediately at any diagnostic lab â at 10 months post-exposure the result is 100% conclusive. Please consult me directly on Practo for a detailed evaluation.
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Total Leucocyte Count (TLC) does not diagnose HIV. A count of 5200 cells is within the generally accepted normal range for adults. But the monocyte count of 150 cells is slightly low or on the lower end of the normal range (which is 200 to 800 cells. Low monocytes can be a sign of a compromised immune system, making you more susceptible to infections. These results do not prove HIV is present, nor do they rule it out. Diagnosing HIV requires looking specifically at CD4 T-lymphocyte cells and viral load.
Severe respiratory infection that does not respond to antibiotics strongly suggests the infection is not caused by typical bacteria. It could be caused by a virus, fungus, or an atypical pathogen. In immunocompromised individuals, including those with untreated HIV, respiratory infections like Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) or severe viral pneumonia can occur.
The risk of HIV transmission from receptive anal sex is statistically among the highest for sexual exposures. However, a person's exact chances depend on factors like:
1. The HIV status of the partner
2. The viral load of the partner at the time
3. Whether protection was used.
Given the 9-month gap since the potential exposure and the presence of severe, ongoing symptoms, you are well past the standard "window period" for HIV.
Next Steps
Because symptoms alone cannot distinguish HIV from other severe respiratory illnesses, you must get tested for HIV immediately.
Visit a local sexual health clinic, an urgent care center, or a certified testing laboratory to perform an HIV screening test (such as an antibody/antigen test or a rapid blood test).
Share your complete blood count results and your history of exposure with the doctor. They may need to order a sputum culture, a chest X-ray, and a specific CD4 count test to understand why your immune system is struggling to fight the respiratory infection.
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Get Hiv test done and consult to physician for further management don’t get panic and consult rule out the cause and get further treatment
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