[Question #13966] HIV worry

3 hours ago

Hello

I have just secured my dream job in Oman and will be making the move in 8 weeks.

Of course the Gulf checks for certain STI’s ahead of issuing visas (HIV and Hepatitis B specifically for my job category). I was vaccinated against Hepatitis B last year, so my only worry is HIV from my events.

During a skiing break with friends last week, we ended up meeting a female group in the hotel. I engaged in sexual activities with two of them - one of whom I now learned is known to ‘sleep around’ in her home town.

I passionately open mouth kissed and fingered the vagina of one. Some blood did appear on my fingers, so she may have been on her period.

With the other, I purely gave her a kiss on her lips once.

There was no oral sex (giving or receiving) and my penis was not touched. I am told that HIV is only transmitted sexually by intercourse, so I hope I have nothing to worry about.

My lips were cracked from skiing, if that makes any difference? I see from your comments that any saliva or even blood that entered my mouth from her would make no difference.

Hope you can help me.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

2 hours ago

Welcome to our Forum. Thanks for your questions and congratulations on getting the job you've sought. I'll be glad to comment and to reassure you that there is no risk for HIV or any other STI from the activities you describe. It is statistically unlikely that either of the women you mention have HIV or active hepatitis - these infections are uncommon in women, even those who have had multiple prior partners. Kissing including "deep kissing" in which there is exchange of saliva is a no risk activity for HIV. That is true even if you have cracked lips and even if you or your partner have mouth sores, gum disease, dental disease or blood in the motu- still no risk. Similarly there is no risk from masturbation ("fingering") of a partner. There is no reason for concern and no medical or scientific reason for testing.

Similarly there is no risk for hepatitis.

Please don't worry. I hope that your new job is all that you hope it will be. EWH

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1 hours ago

Hello Doctor Hook

Thank you for your incredibly quick answer.

1. Is it correct that, aside from shared drug needles, HIV is only transmitted via penile-vaginal/anal intercourse?

2. There is no risk of HIV from kissing even if my partner’s vaginal fluids or blood got into my mouth? (she may have licked her fingers)

3. Getting my partner’s blood on my fingers from fingering her was no risk for HIV? (even though I bite my nails)

Thank you for your help.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

1 hours ago

Straight to your questions:

1. Correct

2. Correct

3. Correct

Please don’t worry about the interactions you described. One follow up remaining. EWH

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