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May 25, 2012
 

Chances I have contracted HIV from vagina and penis rubbing together without penetration?

Dear Ask The Doctor: About 4 weeks ago I had sex with a prostitute in thailand and am now having serious worries about whether I have contractewd HIV or not. I had sex with her twice and used a condom both times (which di not break) however I did perform oral sex on her for about a minute and there was a point inbetween sex where for a short period of time (about 30 seconds max) my penis rubbed on the outside of her vagina (without a condom but without penetration). The next day i got a mild fever which lasted the duration of the overnight bus i was on, then a week later i contracted what was diagnosed as dengue fever. Now i'm just extremely anxious and paranoid that these illnesses are signs of an acute HIV infection. What do yu think my chances of having contracted HIV are? Thanks

Dear Ben: The initial symptoms of HIV infection can be very unspecific as: fever, fatigue, night sweats, rash, swollen nodes, sore throat, headache, oral ulcers. Infection is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The following factors are associated with an increased risk of acquiring HIV infection: Unprotected sex, receptive anal intercourse carries a particularly high risk, injection drug use (sharing needles or drug paraphernalia), occupational needle stick or body fluid splash (estimated transmission rate <0.3%), contaminated blood products (before 1985 in the United States).In your particular case, if you are not sure about the HIV status of the sex worker in thailand or if you are feeling very stress out and worried, it is strongly recommended that you get tested. There is a test that can be done without using a needle. This test, called the OraQuick Rapid HIV Test for Oral Fluid, gives results in 20 minutes using saliva. This test can detect only HIV type 1 (HIV-1) antibodies. Also, a negative test result does not mean you are immune to HIV, always keep in mind that engaging in risky behaviors (having unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person or sharing needles or syringes with an infected person) can transmit HIV.Testing for HIV is a two-step process: first, an inexpensive screening test (blood) or oral (saliva) is done. If that test is positive, a second test (Western blot) is done to confirm the result.

Last Updated ( Friday, 04 February 2011 )
 
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