[Question #12206] Massage risk

9 months ago

Hi Dr,

Exposure on 28 Oct 24 with a Thai masseuse in Malaysia.

Risk:

1. Kissing with tongue action ( bleeding after brushing teeth. This was like 5 hours before exposure)

2. Fingering her (healed cuticle cut with no active bleeding) while she was in her underwear

3. She touched my penis after she touched the outside of her underwear and let’s assume she got vaginal secretions on her fingers.

4. I masturbated myself to completion (washed hands before that) while she was using her tongue on my scrotum (no penis contact)

Dry throat and blocked nose on 03 Nov. 04 Nov blocked nose, mucous dripping, fever at night. No sore throat and rash.

05 Nov blocked nose, phlegm, fever. No sore throat and rash

All symptoms came in between 6-8 days.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

9 months ago

Welcome to the Forum. Thanks for your questions and your apparent confidence in our service. None of the activities you describe placed you at risk for HIV. Deep kissing and masturbation are no risk activities and HIV is not transmitted from person to person by transfer of genital secretions on one person's hands to another. That you have possible gum disease or cuts on the cuticles of your fingers does not change this assessment. This was a no risk activity with no need for concern and no need for testing. EWH---

9 months ago

Hi dr,

Thank you for the response. I know this was a no risk situation. But my flu and fever clouded my judgement. Still having the flu and slight fever. No sore throat or rash. Today is day day 09. The fever, flu and phlegm started between day 06-09. Though the fever seems to be subsiding now. Still having loads of phlegm.

I do get upper respiratory illnesses from time to time and feels exactly the same way it feels now.

Would you think this is ARS?

Edward W. Hook M.D.

9 months ago

As you point out, this was a no risk encounter. Further, production of large amounts of respiratory secretions ("phlegm") is not at all typical of the ARS.

I remain confident that you did not acquire HIV from the encounter you describe.

You have one follow-up remaining. Please don't worry. EWH

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9 months ago

Thanks for the reply doctor. What would be the typical time frame and symptoms of ARS? Do you get pain in the fingers ?

My fevers were relatively low grade and subsided today. I just want to be confident that this were not due to ARS. I mean considering the no risk situation this might be a foolish question to ask. Just that a concerned mind wanders.

Also since this is my last reply. Just want to say thank you for all that you do.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

9 months ago

The ARS typically occurs between one and three weeks following an exposure. It does not occur more than 30 days following acquisition of HIV. Widespread joint or muscle aches may be part of the ARS, but not isolated joint pain.

When persons have the ARS, tests are always positive. You can prove that you do not have the ARS if you choose to test. I remain confident that you do not have the ARS, although I do not feel that testing is essential following the encounter you describe.

Thanks for your thanks. As you point out, this will be my final reply. EWH.

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