Aa
No Risk reassurance and ARS
Hi there,
I'm very sorry to add to the wealth of questions on here from people who are clearly suffering from an unfounded HIV anxiety but I'm afraid I need some personal reassurance. I understand my risk of transmision is essentially zero and had managed to put the anxiety to rest. However, I then developed some worrying symptoms and the 'what ifs; started to creep back in. Let me explain:
About two weeks ago I had an encounter with a CSW in London. I recieved protected oral sex and I fingered her briefly. She then fingered my anus (again, breifly). There is a chance I had small cuts/abrasions on my anus (from over-vigorous wiping). Obviously the risk of transmission there comes down to 'what ifs' (i.e. if she had a cut on her finger etc). However, 7 days afterwards I started developing nasal congestion and a cough (similar to post-nasal drip) which has gotten worse. Today, two weeks on from the "potential" exposure, I have now found white spots on my tongue and have mouth ulcers, in line with the symptom of oral thrush.
Please could someone in the know reassure me that my fears that these are symptoms of ARS/early HIV infection are totally unfounded. I do suffer from health anxiety so please don't be blunt, knowledge is the greatest defence against anxiety so do please explain.
Apologies for yet another worrisome question from someone with little to no risk.
I'm very sorry to add to the wealth of questions on here from people who are clearly suffering from an unfounded HIV anxiety but I'm afraid I need some personal reassurance. I understand my risk of transmision is essentially zero and had managed to put the anxiety to rest. However, I then developed some worrying symptoms and the 'what ifs; started to creep back in. Let me explain:
About two weeks ago I had an encounter with a CSW in London. I recieved protected oral sex and I fingered her briefly. She then fingered my anus (again, breifly). There is a chance I had small cuts/abrasions on my anus (from over-vigorous wiping). Obviously the risk of transmission there comes down to 'what ifs' (i.e. if she had a cut on her finger etc). However, 7 days afterwards I started developing nasal congestion and a cough (similar to post-nasal drip) which has gotten worse. Today, two weeks on from the "potential" exposure, I have now found white spots on my tongue and have mouth ulcers, in line with the symptom of oral thrush.
Please could someone in the know reassure me that my fears that these are symptoms of ARS/early HIV infection are totally unfounded. I do suffer from health anxiety so please don't be blunt, knowledge is the greatest defence against anxiety so do please explain.
Apologies for yet another worrisome question from someone with little to no risk.
You never had an exposure.
HIV is transmitted by;
Unprotected penetrative anal and/or vaginal sex
Sharing works with other IV drug abusers
Mother to child
HIV is transmitted by;
Unprotected penetrative anal and/or vaginal sex
Sharing works with other IV drug abusers
Mother to child
Thank you for the prompt response, Teak. I respect your opinion and the work you do on here a great deal and so feel adequaetly reassured.
Once again, I'm sorry to add to the abundance of 'worried well' questioners.
Best wishes.
E
Once again, I'm sorry to add to the abundance of 'worried well' questioners.
Best wishes.
E
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