Expert: John Thai, M.D. - 10/7/2007

Question
About three months ago I had a massage in Bangkok. At the time I thought it was a proper massage place, but it turned into something that I didn't intend and couldn't stop before it was too late. She started touching herself but I'm sure she didn't put her fingers inside her vagina. She then touched my penis for about 10 seconds before I came to my senses and left. The next day I had a red rash around my foreskin and my balls were burning. This lasted for about a week, and obviously in this time I was very worried. 32 days after contact I went for a 60 second result test at a clinic which uses INSTi (TM) technology. This proved negative and the doctor said that I had nothing to worry about. I have told my wife about all this and she understands that it was a big mistake from me. In the last few weeks we have all been getting colds which we don't seem able to shake off which is very unusual for us, and I am getting anxious again. I thought about going for another test but the thought of doing this feels me with dread. Can you let me know what you think please?

Answer
Hi Greg,

Chances of HIV = 0. Transmission cannot be made via skin-to-skin contact. Transmission can only be made via

1. blood-to-blood contact. blood transfusion, needle exchange, and blood contact into an open wound/sore/lesion
2. Seminal fluid/Vaginal fluid. This transmission is during vaginal penetration, anal penetration, and oral exchange in the event that the receiver has oral lesions/ulcers or poor dentition and the giver is HIV+.

The red rash may be fungal infection.

As far as a cold, I am unsure as I need to obtain a proper medical history and examination. Colds and/or flu usually last 7-14 days.

Regards,

John Thai, MD