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
We recommend that the medical information is discussed with your doctor. It is not intended to be a substitute for personalised medical advice or treatment. You should consult your doctor whenever a new symptom arises, or an existing symptom worsens. It is important to obtain medical advice that considers other causes and possible treatments. Do not assume that new or worsened symptoms are solely because of ME/CFS or Long Covid.