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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can HIV Be Caught From Sexual Assault With Penetration For 20 Seconds?

I was sexually assaulted by an unknown man 5 weeks ago. He penetrated me against my will for about 20 seconds. Fortunately for me the police knocked on my door which lead to the assailant fleeing from my window. My question is, is it possible to catch HIV from the encounter I described. I'm also worried because after 5 weeks I have a sore throat, which I heard can be a symptom of HIV in it's early stages..please help me
Fri, 6 Dec 2013
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

There may be the chance of getting infected with HIV. It can be transferred by seminal fluid if no ejaculation has taken place.
Sore throat may not be associated with it. Better way is to go for blood tests for HIV. On average, you may need to wait 2 to 8 weeks from the time of possible exposure to get an accurate test result, because it takes at least that long for the immune system to develop enough HIV antibodies to be detectable.
To be on safe side Post exposure prophylaxis(PEP) is a good option, but it should be started within 72 hours of exposure. In your case it is 5 weeks.
Do consult your local doctor about investigations and PEP.

Do consider a positive feedback as a credit to my work Let me know if you have any further questions.
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Can HIV Be Caught From Sexual Assault With Penetration For 20 Seconds?

Hi, There may be the chance of getting infected with HIV. It can be transferred by seminal fluid if no ejaculation has taken place. Sore throat may not be associated with it. Better way is to go for blood tests for HIV. On average, you may need to wait 2 to 8 weeks from the time of possible exposure to get an accurate test result, because it takes at least that long for the immune system to develop enough HIV antibodies to be detectable. To be on safe side Post exposure prophylaxis(PEP) is a good option, but it should be started within 72 hours of exposure. In your case it is 5 weeks. Do consult your local doctor about investigations and PEP. Do consider a positive feedback as a credit to my work Let me know if you have any further questions.