On dec 12th I engaged in a sexual act of digital fingering with a girl I've known for 10 months. Before this I asked her if she had any current Sti which she said she doesn't and she's been testing. The fingering was very brief and I don't recall any active cuts on my fingers. 2 weeks later I devolved a sore throat for 1 day and I felt a bit ill but it went away week after that I got really sick and had a fever of 99.4 from what my machine stated with body aches and chill. That lasted two days a week after that i developed diarrhea and red bumps on my body. I don't have a fever now and I don't have   Flu symptoms just stomach issues and no appetite .. I know there has never been a case of HIV from this and I know it's very rare . However since then I have been really worried and contemplating testing. Was I at risk? Is testing needed? I also asked my partner again about her status and she said she's clean and will test to prove it but I'm a very anxious and paranoid.  I don't want to give in to testing because I've done my research and I want to simply get over my HIV fears in life. However it's hard when these symptoms are playing games with my head. I really want your expect advise to move on.  Your honest opinion and advice is really needed right now.  Thanks 

You have correctly analyzed the available information. HIV is simply not transmissible by fingering. Transmission requires that lots of virus have access to certain cells that typically are in the bloodstream or otherwise internal and not accessible. And you are correct that there has never been a reported case of HIV transmission by fingering or other hand-genital contact. And the chance your partner had HIV is almost zero.

As for your symptoms, they are not typical for a new HIV infection. It sounds like a garden variety viral infection, nothing more.

Having said all that, I don't think you should look at being tested for HIV as "giving in". Most people in your situation are going to be reassured much more effectively by negative test results than by reassurance from this forum or any other expert. We can rely only on scientific data and statistical probabilities, whereas testing takes it out of the realm of probabilities and proves that someone is or is not infected. No matter what I say, you're going to worry that you might be the rare exception, until you are proved to not have HIV. Enough time has passed for a conclusive test (4 weeks for a "duo" or "4th generation" test for HIV antigen plus antibody). You could also accept your partner's offer to be tested, but that's probably less important than being tested yourself.

This doesn't mean I really believe there is a chance you were infected. I do not. But just practical advice.

And that is my "honest opinion and advice", which is all you'll ever get from me or Dr. Hook!

Best wishes--  HHH, MD

The oral fluids test usually would be positive at 5 weeks, but it can take up to 3 months for a conclusive result. (All other current tests are conclusive by 4-8 weeks.) Had you been seriously exposed, I would advise another test at 3 months.