Expert: Terry B - 9/17/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I hope you can help me with a question.  Another guy gave me oral sex about 2 months ago.  It was brief, and I didnt ejaculate in him.  I have come down with a sore throat and a bit of a sinus drip.  Could this be the caused by the onset of ARS?  How long does it take to show symptoms. Thanks alot

ANSWER: Dear Jacob:

Peace and all good things to you. Receiving oral sex is a relatively low risk for HIV transmission but a higher risk for other sexually transmitted infections.  Your risk is no higher if you ejaculate, but it would have increased the risk for your sexual partner.  As you will note from many other questions in this forum, symptoms are of relatively no use in trying to self-diagnose HIV infection; a simple and inexpensive blood test is the only reliable way to do so.  Please find a health provider or counseling and testing center to have the test performed.

The best of health to you and yours.

Terry

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for your answer.  I had called my doctor to ask him what he thought.  He told me it is very unlikely, and that my 'symptoms' would have come on much earlier.  He told me he didnt think testing was necessary, but I can do it for peace of mind.  What is your thought on that?  I hope you had a great weekend
shalom
Jacob

Answer
Dear Jacob:

Peace.  I am glad you spoke with your physician and endorse the thought of testing for peace of mind.  The more you know about your health, the better able you are to manage same and protect your loved ones.

Glad to hear from you and continue to wish you the best.

Terry