[Question #12157] Massage & Fingering

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9 months ago
Hi Dr,
Went for a massage at private place based in Sydney 2 days a go. Reading other comments i can see this poses no risk. I did however finger her middle finger inside vagina for about a minute. Literally over night i got sick flu symptoms, aches and pains, been in bed since the incident.

Specific questions;
1) Can i rule out HIV with skin on finger intact?
2) Can there be a syphilis risk on my finger?
3) Is there a herpes risk on my finger?

Just wondering what the best way to move forward the flu really took it out of me and got me second guessing.
Thanks
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
9 months ago
Welcome back to the forum. Thanks for your continuing confidence in our services.

Hand-genital contact, as well as vaginal and anal fingering, are entirely free of STD or HIV risk. In addition, no infection of any kind -- including HIV and all STDs -- can cause symptoms in under 24 hours; 36-48 hours is the minimum. Even after that time, no STD or HIV can cause fever etc sooner than a week after exposure. Almost certainly your symptoms were caused by a cold, influenza, or covid -- acquired 3-10 days before the sexual event. You would be wise to either see a doctor or self-test, especially for covid and flu. Self tests are available at any pharmacy in the US, and I would assume in Australia as well.

The answer to all three of your numbered questions questions is no risk at all. No possibility of infection with HIV, syphilis or herpes. 

I hope these comments are helpful. Let me know if anything isn't clear.

HHH, MD
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9 months ago
Thanks for the clarity.
Is there still a small risk for herpes whitlow or syphilis on the finger if she had an outbreak or can this be ruled out?
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
9 months ago
Could there be a theoretical risk in this cicrumcsance? Possibly, if you had a cut, hangnail, or similar problem on the finger. Even then, the odds are probably less than the chance you'll be struck by a meteorite someday. You should not worry about it and should not be tested.---