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Dear Ask The Doctor: Dear doctor, a recent episode with a risk factor individual ( a woman) is as follows: vaginal intercourse with condom, followed by unprotected oral sex, followed with further intercourse with a new condom. i am a male and received the oral sex from her. I am unfamiliar with the with the exact method of hiv infection.I had no sores or lacerations or have any piercings. What risk factors for hiv are involved relating to this, specifically can fluids from her that where on the base of my penis be transferred to into me while she performed oral? thank you all very much.
Dear Mike: HIV is transmitted when the virus enters the body, usually by injecting infected (needle stick) cells or semen. There are several possible ways in which the virus can enter: Most commonly, HIV infection is spread by having sex with an infected partner and the virus can enter the body through the broken lining of the vagina, vulva, penis, rectum, or mouth during sex. HIV frequently spreads among injection-drug users who share needles or syringes that are contaminated with blood from an infected person. The virus does not spread through casual contact such as preparing food, sharing towels and bedding, or via swimming pools, telephones, or toilet seats. The virus is also unlikely to be spread by contact with saliva, unless it is contaminated with blood and you have broken mucosa or skin. Many people do not show symptoms after they first get infected with HIV. Others have a flu-like illness within several days to weeks after exposure to the virus. They complain of: fever, headache, tiredness, and swollen nodes in the neck. These symptoms usually disappear within a few weeks. After that, the person feels normal and has no symptoms. This asymptomatic phase often lasts for years. The development of the disease is different among individuals. This state may last from a few months to more than 10 years. Even though the person has no symptoms, he or she is contagious and can pass HIV to others. HIV infection is commonly diagnosed by blood tests that detect antibodies the immune system produces in an attempt to fight the virus. 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. In case of doubt, worry or if you are unsure, the answer is always the same: get tested. |