Risk of Exposure

[scared343]

Doctor,

I'm so sorry to repeat a question -- but am extremely nervous.  Exactly one week ago I had unprotected oral sex with a man of unknown status.  I only performed oral sex for about 20 seconds; he did not ejaculate in my mouth. We then had vaginal intercourse with a condom. I do know that the man was very sexually active (with other women, not men).  

For the past three days I've had extremely enlarged lymph nodes.  I know this is very early to experience symptoms from exposure, but I can't help but notice how bad it is.  I do not have a rash, fever, or body aches.  I do have a runny nose -- I know this more often indicates a cold and not HIV exposure.

What is my risk? I know it's very low, but I need some reassuring.  I haven't been able to eat or sleep.  I know it's unhealthy to worry like this, but I can't get it off my mind.

Thanks so much.

[joggen]

Lymph nodes can swell for a variety of reasons. All it means is that your immune system is active and fighting something, which is mostly likely the cold that you are experiencing. If you are concerned then go get them checked out by a doctor but they have nothing to do with HIV.

[scared343]

Please help. I haven't eaten all day -- I've completely lost my appetite, but am assuming it's due to fear

[scared343]

I'm concerned because my lymph nodes are EXTREMELY swollen -- I've never experienced anything like this.  Would I experience symptoms seven days after exposure?  I know medhelp says no, but I'm confused because other online resources have said it's possible within a few days.

Also, if I'm experiencing acute HIV symptoms, will I text positive with a rapid test?

[joggen]

The 'low risk' is based on personal accounts which are not reliable. There are no convincing cases of anyone catching HIV through oral sex. There is no credible scientific evidence that oral sex transmits HIV. It's not something that you should be worrying about.

[scared343]

Thanks for your response.

I know that every one on the site is saying that there is no risk from oral sex, but that's not what I've heard.  When I went to get tested three months ago (prior to the exposure I mentioned in my previous post), I was told that oral sex is LOW risk, not NO risk.  

I also know that if my partner had recently been exposed to HIV, there is a chance I could have contracted it because his viral level would have been high.

Thanks --

[sarath631]

YOU HAD NO RISK.