performed cunnlingus with mild sore throat

[ohca]

Hello Doctor,

Thank you for taking the time to read and answer this question.

I am a straight male and I live in California.  About one week ago, I performed oral sex on a prostitute for less than 3 minutes.  During the time of the event, I had a slight cold which I was recovering from.  It consisted of mild congestion, mild cough, and a mild sore throat.  I've read that having a sore throat would increase my risk of contracting HIV if I was exposed to the virus.  I have no idea what the lady's HIV status is.  

My questions are:  What was my risk of contracting HIV?  Do you recommend that I be tested, and if so, when?  

I really would appreciate your input.  Take care.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

1.  Correct.
2.  Correct again


Glad to help. Take care. EWH

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to our Forum.  You are not at risk for HIV from this exposure.  It would be unusual if your partner, even as a CSW, had HIV (most do not).  Still more importantly, the quoted figure for HIV risk, if one has oral sex with an infected partner is less than 1 in 10,000 and, in my estimation that is too high. Some experts state there is no risk at all from oral sex.  Neither of us on this site have ever seen or reading the medical literature of a convincing instance in which HIV was passed by oral sex.  

Your sore throat in no way changes your risk of infection. As for being told that the sore throat, in general symptoms are a poor indicator of HIV..If you have concerns you should get testing, not worry about symptoms.

As for the exposures you describe.  I see no reason for concern and no medical reason for testing.  I hope this is helpful to you.  EWH

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Glad to help. EWH

[ohca]

Thank you very much, sir.

[ohca]

Thank you Doctor, for your prompt response.  If you could just confirm that my understanding of your explanation is correct, I would greatly appreciate it and be on my way.

1.  In your expert opinion, the presence of my sore throat during my performance of unprotected oral sex does not change my risk of infection.

2.  You believe I have no real risk, and therefore, I have no need to be tested.

I hope I am understanding you correctly, and I really do appreciate your help.  Take care.