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Hello Doctor, I Was Curious What The Likelihood Is Of
Question: Hello doctor,
I was curious what the likelihood is of contracting HIV from a woman just through oral sex?
I ask because 6 days ago, we met up.
Then this morning (alleviated with DayQuil), I%E2%80%99ve had a horrible headache, pressure in my ears, non-productive cough, back pain, slight leg weakness, and NO fever (yet). I should also say that I%E2%80%99m in nursing school and was at my clinical facility a few days ago, so I%E2%80%99m wondering if maybe this is just a cold or flu contracted from there.
Thank you,
Chase
I was curious what the likelihood is of contracting HIV from a woman just through oral sex?
I ask because 6 days ago, we met up.
Then this morning (alleviated with DayQuil), I%E2%80%99ve had a horrible headache, pressure in my ears, non-productive cough, back pain, slight leg weakness, and NO fever (yet). I should also say that I%E2%80%99m in nursing school and was at my clinical facility a few days ago, so I%E2%80%99m wondering if maybe this is just a cold or flu contracted from there.
Thank you,
Chase
Brief Answer:
Almost certainly not HIV
Detailed Answer:
Hello, I'm Dr. Branch, thanks for using Ask a Doctor.
While there is a theoretical risk of getting HIV through oral sex, there have been no proven cases of this, and the risk is considered negligible. So this would be considered much more important than your symptoms, since HIV presents just like many other viral illnesses. Also, your symptoms do not particularly sound like an acute HIV infection, which usually has fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and rash. Also, it typically takes HIV 2-4 weeks to start having symptoms of an acute infection.
Your symptoms are more likely due to a viral illness such as influenza or one of many other viruses that can cause these symptoms. I wouldn't be concerned at this point, you can take Tylenol for pain and typically these symptoms will resolve in about a week. I do not think you need to be tested for HIV or worry about it any further.
I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any questions about any of that, and I would be glad to discuss it with you further.
Almost certainly not HIV
Detailed Answer:
Hello, I'm Dr. Branch, thanks for using Ask a Doctor.
While there is a theoretical risk of getting HIV through oral sex, there have been no proven cases of this, and the risk is considered negligible. So this would be considered much more important than your symptoms, since HIV presents just like many other viral illnesses. Also, your symptoms do not particularly sound like an acute HIV infection, which usually has fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and rash. Also, it typically takes HIV 2-4 weeks to start having symptoms of an acute infection.
Your symptoms are more likely due to a viral illness such as influenza or one of many other viruses that can cause these symptoms. I wouldn't be concerned at this point, you can take Tylenol for pain and typically these symptoms will resolve in about a week. I do not think you need to be tested for HIV or worry about it any further.
I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any questions about any of that, and I would be glad to discuss it with you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Oh, thank you doctor! Ive had a mild sore throat but nothing like others that ive had (as in, it isnt even present now). i started wondering if it was a meningitis situation too, considering this brutal neck and head pain. So my only follow up question is, does all of this sound like it could simply be the cold or the flu?
Brief Answer:
Not likely meningitis
Detailed Answer:
Meningitis, either bacterial or viral, would usually have a fever, and you would feel quite sick. It doesn't sound like meningitis to me at this point, but if you do develop a fever, worsening stiff neck or headache, or have any confusion or altered mental state, you should be seen as soon as possible. But most likely this would be a normal cold or flu.
Not likely meningitis
Detailed Answer:
Meningitis, either bacterial or viral, would usually have a fever, and you would feel quite sick. It doesn't sound like meningitis to me at this point, but if you do develop a fever, worsening stiff neck or headache, or have any confusion or altered mental state, you should be seen as soon as possible. But most likely this would be a normal cold or flu.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Brief Answer:
Glad to hear
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for letting me know how it went, I'm glad they were able to confirm it was influenza. It is a little unexpected that you don't have fever, but the flu can present in a lot of different ways, so it wouldn't be unheard of.
Please let me know if I can help with anything else, I would be glad to do so.
Glad to hear
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for letting me know how it went, I'm glad they were able to confirm it was influenza. It is a little unexpected that you don't have fever, but the flu can present in a lot of different ways, so it wouldn't be unheard of.
Please let me know if I can help with anything else, I would be glad to do so.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Exactly. No fever but with chest pain and nausea. Would the nasal swab be confirmatory?
Brief Answer:
Yes
Detailed Answer:
Yes, I would consider it confirmatory, your symptoms suggest influenza (even if they do not have all the classic symptoms), and the nasal swab confirms this.
Yes
Detailed Answer:
Yes, I would consider it confirmatory, your symptoms suggest influenza (even if they do not have all the classic symptoms), and the nasal swab confirms this.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Brief Answer:
No problem
Detailed Answer:
No problem, I don't mind at all. Yes, the flu can often cause nausea. It would be reasonable to take Bentyl for any GI cramping, whatever the cause.
No problem
Detailed Answer:
No problem, I don't mind at all. Yes, the flu can often cause nausea. It would be reasonable to take Bentyl for any GI cramping, whatever the cause.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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