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STDs (Expert Forum)
For Dr. Handsfield -- Hep and saliva
Answered by
University of Washington
Seattle - WA
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Some of the most common types of questions concern the risk of HIV or STD after a particular sexual exposure, and about symptoms that might or might not be due to HIV. If your question is along these lines, please visit the HIV Prevention and Safe Sex Forum.
This forum is limited to questions about STDs other than HIV/AIDS. For questions about HIV prevention, or if you have general questions about safe sex (e.g., condoms, how to protect yourself from HIV and STDs), please visit the HIV Prevention and Safe Sex Forum
Some of the most common types of questions concern the risk of HIV or STD after a particular sexual exposure, and about symptoms that might or might not be due to HIV. If your question is along these lines, please visit the HIV Prevention and Safe Sex Forum.
For Dr. Handsfield -- Hep and saliva
by cantthinkofaname27, Jul 22, 2008 05:33PM
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.
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.
Doctor's Answer
by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D., Jul 22, 2008 07:32PM
, Jul 22, 2008 07:32PM
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
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
Post Comment
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.
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.
Sorry for beeing annoying - I will drop this after hearing your thoughts.
Cheers.
And that, my friend, is the last comment. Any more will be deleted.