I would appreciate your guidance please.

I have just started dating a girl (33). She advised me that her last episode of sexual intercourse was a month ago and it was condom protected. She added that she was last tested for STI’s 3 months ago.

She is not a sex worker or injection drug user.

Over the weekend - the first and second date - we engaged in deep tongue kissing multiple times. We did not have intercourse of any kind; or engage is anything like BJ / oral sex etc. 

I have read previous posts on this forum that kissing of this sort is zero risk for HIV. Further, I understand that the only way an adult can be infected with HIV (if not infected at birth), is by unprotected vaginal / anal sex; or exposure to huge amounts of blood (i.e gunshot victim). Everything else is meaningless (?).

Am I worrying for absolutely nothing and can I move on without concern?

Thank you for reviewing other forum questions similar to your own. You correctly understand the basics of sexual transmission of HIV.

As for your symptoms, the cause is obvious. Colds and other common upper respiratory viruses are exactly the opposite of HIV in terms of oral transmission risk:  if your partner had such a virus (not necessarily with symptoms) there is 100% certainty you would catch it. That is the only possible cause of your symptoms. Not only are they typical for a new infection with such a virus, the timing was perfect. In contrast, HIV symptoms don't start sooner than 8-10 days after exposure, and HIV doesn't cause nasal congestion or drip.

You definitely can move on with no further concern about HIV (or any other STI as well). Just deal with your cold as you usually would, including protecting others around you (cover sneezes and coughs, wash hands often, and avoid kissing and hand-to-hand contact with friends, co-workers, and others in your household).

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

HHH, MD