Aa
Anxious about HIV exposure
Dear Folks
I am worried at the moment and would be grateful for your views on whether I have put myself at risk.
Around 3.5 weeks ago, I had protected insertive oral sex with a CSW in Thailand. As far as I am aware, the condom remained intact throughout. However, I also inserted a finger into her vagina for around 10 seconds. After withdrawing it, I fondled her breasts with what I believe to be the same finger, and later licked her breasts (probably between 30 secs-2 mins after withdrawing my finger from her vagina).
I also brushed my teeth prior to beginning the activity, and I am prone to gum bleeding when brushing teeth (it happens most of the time).
2 days after this incident, I developed fever, headaches and soaking night sweats. These persisted for a lot longer than normal; the headaches totally subsided around 2 weeks later; the fever also around this time (although it is occasionally 37.2- 37.4 C even now; I have been measuring it daily). The night sweats seemed to have gone after 2.5 weeks, although they reappeared, in a much milder form, in the last few days.
As treatment for the above symptoms, a doctor prescribed with me antiobiotics around 7 days ago.
In the last 9 days (approx 3 weeks post exposure), I have developed further symptoms; swelling of my upper eyelids and general puffiness around the eyes (this appeared 9 days ago, before starting antiobiotics), swollen glands in my neck (appeared 8 days ago) and white exudate on my tonsils as well as a white furry tongue, sore throat and difficulty swallowing (all appeared 6 days ago). The exudate seems to be on only 1 tonsil; and the swollen glands are more pronounced on one side of the neck than the other. These symptoms were not present in the initial 2 weeks.
Did I put myself at a significant risk of HIV with my activity?
Has anyone ever known, or come across a documented case, of anybody who has been infected in this way?
I am worried at the moment and would be grateful for your views on whether I have put myself at risk.
Around 3.5 weeks ago, I had protected insertive oral sex with a CSW in Thailand. As far as I am aware, the condom remained intact throughout. However, I also inserted a finger into her vagina for around 10 seconds. After withdrawing it, I fondled her breasts with what I believe to be the same finger, and later licked her breasts (probably between 30 secs-2 mins after withdrawing my finger from her vagina).
I also brushed my teeth prior to beginning the activity, and I am prone to gum bleeding when brushing teeth (it happens most of the time).
2 days after this incident, I developed fever, headaches and soaking night sweats. These persisted for a lot longer than normal; the headaches totally subsided around 2 weeks later; the fever also around this time (although it is occasionally 37.2- 37.4 C even now; I have been measuring it daily). The night sweats seemed to have gone after 2.5 weeks, although they reappeared, in a much milder form, in the last few days.
As treatment for the above symptoms, a doctor prescribed with me antiobiotics around 7 days ago.
In the last 9 days (approx 3 weeks post exposure), I have developed further symptoms; swelling of my upper eyelids and general puffiness around the eyes (this appeared 9 days ago, before starting antiobiotics), swollen glands in my neck (appeared 8 days ago) and white exudate on my tonsils as well as a white furry tongue, sore throat and difficulty swallowing (all appeared 6 days ago). The exudate seems to be on only 1 tonsil; and the swollen glands are more pronounced on one side of the neck than the other. These symptoms were not present in the initial 2 weeks.
Did I put myself at a significant risk of HIV with my activity?
Has anyone ever known, or come across a documented case, of anybody who has been infected in this way?
I would really appreciate if others could confirm if there is any risk involved here? I am so so anxious ...
First of all you had no risk. There are no specific sympthoms. Also 37°c is not really a fever. Your problems of swallowing can be caused by anxiety. I had it too. So you see every sympthom can be caused by 100 other things.
First of all you had no risk. There are no specific sympthoms. Also 37°c is not really a fever. Your problems of swallowing can be caused by anxiety. I had it too. So you see every sympthom can be caused by 100 other things.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the HIV Prevention Community
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from surfaces, like toilet seats?
Can you get HIV from casual contact, like hugging?
Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.
