Expert: Terry B - 8/29/2006

Question
I asked my original question to Kristen but to follow up on my last question if i had a small cut or abrasion on my fingers that i didnt know about or wasnt visible, is there a posibility that i could be infected?  It is possible infected fluid could have gone under my fingernails?  Thanks you for all your help im just trying to cover all the posibilities here if there is another possibility please tell me.
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Followup To

Question -
i might hav sent this already but im not sure if it went through.  im a male who fingered a girl for about 3-5 minutes. I dont think i had any cuts on my fingers.  About 10-15 minutes after this i washed my hands thoroughly with soap and water.  About 5-10 minutes after that i took a shower and masturbated and might have touched the opening in my penis. However i did masturbate with a different hand then i fingered with, but my hands came into contact when i was washing them. This was almost 3 weeks ago and today for the first time i experienced diarrhea with a slight headache.  I also have bumps on my chest but this might be acne. I have been really worried since especially because i know that i have shown some early symptoms, but they might just be random and not tied to HIV.  Is it possible i could have been infected with HIV and if it is how likely and what steps should i take?

Answer -
HIV is not transmitted in that way.

Answer
Jim - for starters take a deep breath.  I believe I answered earlier but will try again.  

1) Almost ANYTHING is "possible" - when measuring HIV transmission risk, it is more helpful to look at "probable" - and "HIV is not transmitted in that way" seems a succinct answer.

2) The person with whom you engaged in "heavy petting" would need to be infected for you to be exposed.  The amount of the fluids to which you were exposed seem minimal, the duration and frequency of your exposure seem minimal, especially since you are talking about the relatively thicker skin of the hand and fingers.  

3) The symptoms you report could and probably are the result of some other process than HIV infection.  Stress (i.e. excessive worry about this exposure) certainly contributes.  Go see a health professional and be examined.

The very best to you, and next time, bring a latex glove or condom for your finger if you want to feel more assured.  Just be discreet about it if possible!

The very best to you and your health.

Terry