Worried about having contracted HIV via cunnilingus

[poet_penn]

Here's my dilemma. Over three weeks ago, I performed cunnilingus on a girl I was dating for a short period.  I fingered her and and then performed cunnilingus on her.  She said that she was HIV-, but then she also told me she had been with many men before.  Therefore, her premiscuous past was alarming thereafter.  My fear is this, I realize that this activity was low risk if any at all, but I may have had a small sore in my mouth or small cuts from tortilla chips I ate earlier that evening.  Additionally, I began to have an on/off headache (never had a fever over 100 or 101), then an on/off sore throat two weeks later.  Moreover, I later had a rash that appeared to be an allergic reaction to new detergent used for laundry.  The rash went away 2-3 days later after using hydrocortisone cream.  This rash reappeared about 8 days later  and basically reconfirmed my suspicion of an allergic reaction to clothes using a particular detergent. Although that allergy rash made sense my fears concerning ARS related sysmptoms persisted.

After reading what experts on MedHelp have said regarding oral sex, escpecially cunnilingus, I became more reassured I was just freaking myself out for no reason. However, I still had a fear. In such a case, I decided to get a PCR-DNA test at 15 days post exposure to help give me peace of mind.  My result was negative.  Do you think I seroconverted late or what not on my 3rd approaching 4th week post exposure and that's why it wasn't detected?

I know that PCR-DNA tests are not diagnosis tests, but they do provide some sort of gage of having contracted the disease and do provide some peace of mind.  My question is should I re-test with a Rapid test or anything or should I just let my fears rest because I do not have HIV?

-Poet

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to our Forum.  The short answer is that I encourage you to put your fears behind you and not worry further about this.

Having provided the "punch line", now let me provide you with a bit more information which I hope will also be helpful for you.  It is unlikely that your partner had HIV.  HIV is rare in heterosexual women no matter how many partners they have had.  Furthermore, there is no convincing evidence of someone getting HIV from oral sex.  On the other hand, the sorts of symptoms you describe are typical of the sorts of symptoms we all get from time to time from community acquired viral infections we all get from time to time.  The symptoms you describe are certainly not a reason for concern.

Your DNA test is further strong evidence that you did not get HIV. No one is completely sure when the latest someone might get a positive HIV PCR is but certainly them majority of persons would have positive tests within two weeks.

the exposure you describe is just not something to worry about.  You do not need further testing// I hope my comment is helpful to you.  EWH

[poet_penn]

A related discussion, Would Antihistamine (Benadryl)Affect HIV TESTING? was started.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Glad to hear of the outcome and your comfort level with it (sadly, even negative tests do not give some sufficient comfort to move forward).  Take care.  EWH

[poet_penn]

Doc,

I went back for that 12 week (84 day) FDA seal of approval using a Rapid Clearview Finger Prick Blood test and it came back negative as you expected.  Thanks again for your help through this process. I know us worried wells are overanxious.  This was my 4th test within 3 months (15 day PCR, 4 week Oraquick, 8 week Clearview and 12 week Clearview) ---WOWSERS! I'm moving on finally!  

The 6-8 week window period was the most reassuring.  This 12 week exam was just a bookend.

I wish the CDC would just come out and say that 6-8 weeks antibody testing is the newest correction for HIV testing with the most modern testing available in 2011 rather than the 12 week mark.  It would save people a lot of grief.

Anyhow, thanks for your advice and I wish everyone sanity in times of dispair.  

-Poet

[poet_penn]

Thank You! I appreciate your response. Have a Happy New Year as well!

Cheers,

Poet

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Be confident that you do not have HIV from the exposure you described.  No need for further testing.

Happy new Year. EWH

[poet_penn]

I just wanted to check back in and say hi. So far I have had a 15 day negative PCR DNA test, 4 week negative Oraquick swab test and 8 week negative Clearview Rapid Blood Prick test .

Can I now take this negative result to the bank and finally relax?

[poet_penn]

Thanks Doc! I appreciate your responses.  Take care!

Regards,

Poet

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Your anxiety is getting the best of you. This is a request for me to repeat my original answer.  You already know that is what I said.. EWH

[poet_penn]

Doc,
One last question. Just for arguments sake.  Even if the woman I performed oral on had HIV.  I should still rest assured, because of the low risk/no risk experience and 15 day negative PCR-DNA result right?  

Not trying to beat a dead horse, just postulating my last question.  

Again, thanks a million for your help. This service you provide along with Dr. HHH and the rest of MedHelp community is of immense help and of great value.

Best,

Poet

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Glad I could help. Take care. EWH

[poet_penn]

Thanks for your reassurance.  I just got spooked when I started getting symptoms that I thought were ARS.  The mind plays games from time to time when one is over anxious, apprehensive and in fear I guess.

I had to check with someone who's opinion I have come to trust through reading positive feedback and substantive remarks in various of your posts.  Additionally, your expertise in infectious diseases and background as a physician put me at ease as well.  

I should have listened to the people at the clinic after receiving my negative result from my PCR test, but I had a lingering fear that kept me alarmed.  They also told me to relax and move on as I was HIV negative.
Thanks and Happy Holidays!