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What Are The Chances Of HIV Transmission Through Oral Sex?
Question: Hi I had an encounter with a female and initially had protected oral and vaginal sex, however when it came to the oral, the condom was initially on then taken off. Her status is not known. It was seven days ago and I'm considering getting HIV-RNA tested due some symptoms I'm beginning to notice (feeling off, mild but constant headache, swollen neck glands (under jaw), rash on chest and funny feeling in my throat). Should I get it done and how accurate would it be 7-8 days post exposure?
Brief Answer:
Not related to HIV.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Welcome to HCM. I have gone through your query and understand the concern you are worried about.
You had protected vaginal and unprotected oral sex with a women of unknown HIV status then no need to worry because the risk of getting HIV from oral sex is very less as compared to vaginal or anal sex.
As such no need for any test but if you want to get tested then it is better to go for HIV RNA at-least after 2 weeks for more reliable and accurate result. It will clear all your doubts and provide mental satisfaction or relief.
Your symptoms are mostly due to some other viral infection but not related to HIV because symptoms of early HIV infection or anti retro-viral syndrome also take at-least 2 weeks to develop after the infection.
Don't get scared or tensed as the possibility in your case is very unlikely. Hope this info will help you. For any further you can query get back to me any time.
Thank You
Not related to HIV.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Welcome to HCM. I have gone through your query and understand the concern you are worried about.
You had protected vaginal and unprotected oral sex with a women of unknown HIV status then no need to worry because the risk of getting HIV from oral sex is very less as compared to vaginal or anal sex.
As such no need for any test but if you want to get tested then it is better to go for HIV RNA at-least after 2 weeks for more reliable and accurate result. It will clear all your doubts and provide mental satisfaction or relief.
Your symptoms are mostly due to some other viral infection but not related to HIV because symptoms of early HIV infection or anti retro-viral syndrome also take at-least 2 weeks to develop after the infection.
Don't get scared or tensed as the possibility in your case is very unlikely. Hope this info will help you. For any further you can query get back to me any time.
Thank You
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Thank you for your initial response. A couple of things I forgot to add: earlier that evening I had bitten my lip and had a cut. After the encounter, we had kissed, doesn't that increase the risk?
Also a couple of symptoms I left out, I've had a dull pain my upper middle abdomen since that day as well as painful (not quite visible) rash on the tip of my tongue. Along with the symptoms I've listed before (rash on chest, sore throat, swollen neck glands) what virus might that indicate? Thank you for your response in advance.
Also a couple of symptoms I left out, I've had a dull pain my upper middle abdomen since that day as well as painful (not quite visible) rash on the tip of my tongue. Along with the symptoms I've listed before (rash on chest, sore throat, swollen neck glands) what virus might that indicate? Thank you for your response in advance.
Brief Answer:
The risk is very unlikely.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Welcome back and thanks for follow-up.
Kissing is no risk activity for HIV as such but if cut is there on the lip and the women is HIV positive then also the risk is very unlikely because human saliva contains the fluid that inhibits the growth of the virus so no need to worry about that.
Sore throat, swollen neck glands and rashes on the chest or tip of the toungue are due to other reason not related to HIV. Consult your physician, go for some investigations to isolate the cause and folow the treatment regime. You will be fine soon.
Avoid thinking about HIV and don't get so anxious or scared as the risk is very remote. Be relaxed and move ahead in life. Stay happy and healthy.
Thank You
The risk is very unlikely.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Welcome back and thanks for follow-up.
Kissing is no risk activity for HIV as such but if cut is there on the lip and the women is HIV positive then also the risk is very unlikely because human saliva contains the fluid that inhibits the growth of the virus so no need to worry about that.
Sore throat, swollen neck glands and rashes on the chest or tip of the toungue are due to other reason not related to HIV. Consult your physician, go for some investigations to isolate the cause and folow the treatment regime. You will be fine soon.
Avoid thinking about HIV and don't get so anxious or scared as the risk is very remote. Be relaxed and move ahead in life. Stay happy and healthy.
Thank You
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
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