It’s understandable to be concerned after sharing drinks with someone who may have symptoms of an STD. The symptoms you described—rash, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, sore throat, sore muscles, fever, and lack of appetite—can be associated with various infections, including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Even though your acquaintance refuses to get tested, it’s important for your own health to take precautions.
Getting tested is the best way to know your own status and whether you might have been exposed to any infections. STDs can sometimes be asymptomatic (show no symptoms), yet still be transmissible. Therefore, if you’ve had any unprotected sexual contact or shared items like drinks with someone who may have an STD, it’s wise to get tested.
Here are some steps you can take:
It’s important to note that symptoms like rash and swollen lymph nodes can also indicate other health conditions, not just STDs. However, to rule out any potential risks to your health, getting tested is crucial.
If you’ve had unprotected contact or shared drinks with someone showing symptoms of an STD, it’s important to get tested to ensure your health is protected.