For Dr. Handsfield -- Hep and saliva

[cantthinkofaname27]

Hello Dr. Handsfield,

Can you please let me know your thoughts regarding the HBV risk associated with rimming and then light anal fingering using saliva as a lubricant.  I have read many, many different thoughts but respect your insight/opinion very much.  There was also short unprotected oral w/o ejaculation either way - but, and please correct me if I'm misguided, I believe the greater (if not only real) risk is saliva entering my anus.
I tested negative for A/B/C after 19 days but I don't believe that is long enough.
Please let me know your thoughts.
Thanks very much.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Toothbrushes can transmit hepatitis.  But your symptom doesn't sound like hepatitis.  Anyway, 90% of hepatitis cases are entirely asymptomatic.

And that, my friend, is the last comment.  Any more will be deleted.

[cantthinkofaname27]

I ask only because I have mild aching and discomfort in my right side (at my ribs, approx 5" below armpit) and just under my pectoral (1" below nipple, two" right). Occassionally it will radiate to my back.  I have felt a similar ache just under my left pectoral as well.  moving doesn't seem to make it better or worse  - and palpating along my rib cage (right side) does not seem to be any more tender or painful than I would expectby jabbing m fingers behind my rib cage.
Sorry for beeing annoying - I will drop this after hearing your thoughts.
Cheers.

[cantthinkofaname27]

Thank you Doctor.

I shall leave you alone after one more quickie: Any thoughts on the potential to transfer HBV or HCV via a toothbrush that hadn't been used in a couple of hours?

Many, many thanks.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Your analyses are correct -- both about HBV in saliva and your self assessment about overthinking.  Please let it go.

[cantthinkofaname27]

Thank you for the response, Doctor.  You are a great resource for us paranoid hypochondriacs.

So, with respect to the studies showing HVB in saliva, there isn't enough virus present to infect a person if it gets inside of their anus -- and into/onto mucous membranes?
Maybe I'm overthinking this, but I can't seem to shake my anxiety.  I am convincing myself I have symptoms.
thanks for you help - and patience.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV, HCV) are blood-borne.  They are not transmitted by saliva or feces, or at least too rarely to worry about.  Neither virus is commonly transmitted by fingering, kissing, or oral sex.

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through feces, and therefore can easily be caught by rimming an infected person.  However, there is no chronic carrier state for HAV, and the risk of infection for any single exposure is very low.

For these reasons, testing for any of these viruses was not necessary on account of the exposure you describe.   But if done anyway, it should have been done at least 6 weeks after exposure.  The negative results at 19 days don't mean anything.

I suggest you drop the whole thing. But if my reassurance isn't sufficient to calm your nerves, then have another test for HAV after 6 weeks.  It is a waste of money to be tested for HBV and HCV.

Best wishes--  HHH, MD