[Question #4897] Follow up to Question #4895

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79 months ago
Since I wasn't sure if my additional query would be answered on the last thread, I'm continuing here.
Thank you for your previous replies Dr. hook. 
I have 1 more question regarding my next step of action. It is still less than 72 hours since the incident, so do you recommend me getting Post exposure prophylactic treatment??? 
Thank you for everything.
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
79 months ago
Welcome back, but sorry you found itnecessary. And Dr. Hook answered exactly this question.  It was your last comment in your previous thread and Dr. Hook replied that he would not recommend PEP after an event like this. Neither would I. Probably you would not be able to find any doctor willing to prescribe it in this situation.

HHH, MD
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79 months ago
Thank you for your response doctor. I thought I had used up my 2 follow up questions and so asked a new one here unaware of Dr. Hook's response on the previous one. do you find the incident significant enough for testing? I'm sorry to repeat the same question to you, but the fact the my tongue was red and sore after the act was just disturbing to me., as I fear any blood borne infection being transmitted during the whole episode. And I started worrying even more after knowing that the guy I kissed was never tested for his status. Please let me know what your opinion is and if i should go for any tests. And  if so, when would it be the best to do so. Thank you.
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
79 months ago
Nobody ever catches HIV by kissing. I agree entirely with Dr. Hook's replies. If you think about it, you'll understand that there must be billions of kissing episodes between HIV infected and uninfected perssons every year; and because various sores in the mouth are very common, millions of those kisses must have happned with such sores. And still no known HIV infections. Pretty much the same for other blood borne infections. As Dr. Hook said, nobody can say the risk is zero, but it's extremely low -- probably lower than the chance you'll be struck by a meteorite.

Really, this just isn't something to be worried about.
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79 months ago
Thanks so much Dr. Handsfield. One last question, When earliest can i do the FDA approved HIV RNA early detection testing to get conclusive results?
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
79 months ago
RNA testing can be done as soon as 10 days, but best at 14 days after exposure. However, RNA testing by itself isn't quite conclusive; even if negative, all experts also recommend an antibody or AgAb (duo) test at 4-6 weeks. I recommend against any testing at all, and certainly not RNA testing.---