Food poisoning or ARS?

Dr. H, first I must say I admire your work, it does so much for worried people out there like myself!  

I have a low risk, but at the same time a very concerning one...about 1.5 years ago I performed oral sex on an man of unknown status, it was very brief no more than 30 seconds and there was no ejaculation, (I cannot recall if there was pre-*** or not).    8 days later sinus infection, not feeling well

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Your symptoms don't suggest ARS.  But the way to know is to be tested.  If you happen to have HIV, you can be sure you didn't catch it during the oral sex episode 1.5 yr ago.

No follow-up, yes-but, or what-if questions; I won't have any further comments.  

HHH, MD

[nonegiven]

Thank you for your prompt response sir.  Although I must admit the fact that you recommended testing does make me a bit concerned as I notice you do not always do such a thing.  (Unless it is to soothe my paranoid state)  This would be the absolutely only possible way I could have contracted any disease so I never really considered myself at a significant risk.  Hence I have not yet been tested. But I guess my symptoms are worrisome enough that I should do so in the near future...?

[cable4me2007]

He didn't recommend testing.  He said your symptoms don't suggest ARS, and the only way to know if you have HIV is to test.  He often says this, that to ease a person's anxiety, sometimes the only way IS to test and see that negative result.

He said if you do somehow happen to be positive, you did not get it from the exposure you described above.

[nonegiven]

Ah thank you for that post, I needed that reassurance, I guess my over anxious state is making me misinterpret! Thanks.

[nonegiven]

You are correct once again, symptoms mean nothing and I tested negative!!  Thanks for everything.