Question
I saw a locum GP recently and explained I was diagnosed with ME about ten years ago. He asked me if I had ever considered having an HIV test to exclude the possibility of my symptoms being caused by HIV/ AIDS. Why would a GP ask such a question?
Answer
HIV/AIDS has a number of symptoms – including fatigue, enlarged glands and feeling flu like – that overlap with ME/CFS symptoms, especially during the early stages of the illness. So there was a valid reason for asking the question. But it should have been done in a rather more tactful way!
There is more info on HIV in relation to ME/CFS in the 2017 ME Association ME/CFS/PVFS Clinical & Research Guide (also know as the ‘purple book').
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MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
Information provided by The ME Association should not be construed as medical advice. Don't assume any new or worsened symptoms are simply the result of having ME/CFS or Long Covid. We recommend that any information you deem relevant is discussed with your NHS GP as soon as possible. It is important that you seek personalised medical advice from the GP who is in charge of your care and who knows you well.