[Question #12752] HIV Negative, Hep B Questions

5 months ago

Hi Doctors,
I finally got the courage to test for HIV back in August, using blood test from vein 4th gen test. Was negative! Thank you for encouraging me to do so. I am now over a year since initial problem and my Visa tests are coming up. I was just wondering if Hep B is a risk from oral sex? And if so, should I have experienced some symptoms in the year that has passed? I have burning mouth syndrome or a metallic taste in my mouth. And i have undiagnosed seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis in my scalp. Would these have anything to do with Hep b?
I have looked at my vaccine card, and I dont think I got the hep B vaccination when I was younger. Should i get tested? or should I get the vaccines?
Would you be confident that I will pass my visa blood tests?

Thanks

Edward W. Hook M.D.

5 months ago

Congratulations on getting tested. It’s now time to move forward. Hepatitis B is not acquired from receipt of oral sex. You need to stop worrying.

Hepatitis B vaccination is always a good idea. It is safe and highly effective. You can determine if you were vaccinated by getting a test for hepatitis B antibodies. EWH

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4 months ago

Thank you Dr. Hook, that has put my mind at ease a bit. I will do the following for the vaccination. I wasnt worried about anything else until this burnt tongue sensation happened 2 months ago. Sometimes it stays for full days other times for a few hours. I saw it was a symptom of hep b online which made me worry again. I will get checked out by my doctor but I have seen that it might be anxiety driven.

So I do not need to test for anything else before my visa blood tests? And I should pass the tests? Thanks.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

4 months ago

I see no reason for additional testing. I anticipate that your visa test will show no infections. Please don’t worry. EWH.---

4 months ago

Hi Dr. Hook

Thanks very much for your insight. I have booked my visa tests for Friday. I am still a bit worried even though all the facts and scientific data suggest I will be fine.

For my own mind, after 14 months I would surely be having very bad symptoms by now? Jaundice, clay coloured stool? And chronic Hep b only comes at a rate of 10% even if I did somehow get it. So the risk of me getting chronic hep b from a one time insertive oral sex exposure would be extremely extremely low odds correct? One in millions?

I think I am catasrophizing, thinking of everything I will lose if somehow positive but I must just try and put things out of my head.

Thank you Dr. Hook, I will let you know of my results if that is ok.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

4 months ago

Final response. Sigh! There are no scientific data to suggest that Hepatitis is transmitted by receiving oral sex. You will be fine. Try to relax

This thread is now complete. EWH

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