This is my last question... The sunburn type rash that I mentioned appearing after the shower appeared again today. It is accompanied by a slight hot feeling of the skin. I still do not have any other symptoms.
Although my risk appears negligable, could this rash be related to some std or other illness (I am young and fairly healthy)?
Is a rash of this type, unaccompanied by other symptoms ever attributed to ARS?
Thanks again...
I have already said your risks of catching anything from the encounter you describe were zero, for practical purposes. It follows that there is no reason to stop having sex with your partner. Yes, you are overreacting.
HHH, MD
Thanks for your response. I have had no other possible exposures. I will get tested for HIV in 6 weeks from now to help with my fears. My primary concern is that I am in a committed relationship and I do not want to put my partner at risk. We have been having un-protected sex for years and I'm confident that they are committed. Should I stop having sex with my partner because of all of this or am I over-reacting. I know that you can only offer an opinion on this however it would be valuable to me.
Thanks again!
1) Insertive oral sex is extremely low risk for HIV; no case has ever been proved to be so acquired. That doesn't mean it can't happen, but it's very rare. The risk with condom-protected insertive anal sex also is zero, for practical purposes, if the condom remained intact.
2) There is no particular need for STD testing in the absence of symptoms, assuming you have had no other sexual activity in the past couple of months.
3) Those symptoms do not suggest ARS. But if they persist or if you remain worried despite this reassurance, see a health care provider. Some people need HIV testing merely because the negative result will help reassure them, even though the risk is virtually zero. It's up to you.
Best wishes-- HHH, MD