Follow-up For Dr. Jose 8/18/11

[knollwood]

Hi Dr. Jose,

I wrote to you on 8/14 under ALM913.  I have a further question.  After I had sex,  the gal took off my condum. Then, she gave me a hand-job. Is the fact that her hands had her vaginal fluid on them, increase my risk of HIV? Since I last wrote I have developed step throat and am on antibiotics for it.  I a very concerned about the sympthoms I have develooed:  low grade fever, rash on on left hand, tiredness, step throat.  It seems that things aren't getting better.  What do you think ?  Lastly,  you said I should be re-tested.  I had two anti-body tests -
a blood patch test at 2 weeks after exposure and a rapid Ora Sure oral test at 6 weeks after exposure.  Both negative.  It is now the 9th week after exposure.  You recommended testing after 8 weeks.  Should I test now or wait for 12 weeks which I have been told would be conclusive.  Also,  should I have a anti-body test or some sort of viral load test.  I don't know which one is more accurate and conclusive at this point in time.  Please give me your best advice so I can try to resolve this issue - there's a lot at stake for my family !  Thank you very much.

[knollwood]

Thanks very much for your rapid response and sound advice. I am very much appreciative. I do want to say that I am very impressed with your medical education, experience and publications.  It is a wonderful experience to encounter a compassionate, knowledgeable and well-trained professional such as yourself.  Thanks again...and I hope you did not
have any problems relating to the most recent events in London.  Stay well and safe !

ALM

[Dr. Jose Gonzalez-Garcia, MD, MRCGP, PhD]

Hello once again,
The situation that you described would not pose an increased risk of HIV infection.  The virus becomes unstable (not infectious) outside of the body, and a hand job, even with vaginal fluids on the hands, would not involve any risk of HIV infection anyway.  Therefore your risk is very low, if not zero.  Your symptoms are related to a Streptococcal tonsillitis, whcih the antibiotics will treat, and not to HIV sero-conversion.
The tests that you have had so far are highly reassuring, but not fully conclusive.  In my experience, a negative antibody test after 8 weeks is more than enough.  However current guidelines still recommedn 12 weeks for a final and fully conclusive test result.  I am totally convinced that these are all going to be negative.
Best wishes,
Dr José