[Question #8106] Hiv risk

48 months ago

Dear dr,

I am a gay male .

I met a man of unkoen status and we kissed for a few seconds .

The next time I met him he told me we should avoid kissing because he has gingivitis .

I’m worried that I may have got his blood in my mouth while kissing him .

3 weeks after the kiss I noticed a small swollen node in my neck . I also noticed pain near my bicep area on the arm and it become sore when I touched and now it seems very slightly swollen .

I am worried about the possibility of contracting hiv from the kiss . There have been no other symtoms except these swollen nodes.

Could these be symtoms if hiv ? Am I at the risk of hiv from this exposure ?

Request your advice please.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

48 months ago

Welcome to our forum and thanks for your question. I’ll be glad to comment. The event you described did not put you at risk for acquisition of HIV or other STI’s. Kissing, even when it includes exchange of saliva or when a partner has an open sore, gingivitis, or blood in their mouth still does not constitute a risk for acquisition of HIV. There are no proof in cases of HIV which of been acquired as a result of kissing. There is no need for concern, and no reason for testing.

Exchange of saliva certainly can result in transmission of the sorts of viruses that cause sore throats. These viruses can lead to swollen lymph nodes in the neck or under the jaw. Tenderness and swelling at the biceps this is not a sign of HIV or any STI. Perhaps there is another cause.

I hope the information I provided is helpful to you. If there are any further questions or if any part of this response is unclear, please feel free to use your up to two follow up questions for clarification. EWH

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48 months ago

Dear doc ,

Thanks for your response .

Cam hiv symtoms manisfest as only swollen lymph nodes , after 3 weeks .

I don’t have any sore throat as such . I am a bit worried and haven’t Been sleeping wel coz of this worry and anxiety .

Request your advice .

Edward W. Hook M.D.

48 months ago

That’s a good question. While swollen lymph nodes can be the only manifestation of well established HIV infection, It is unclear just how early those can be the only manifestation of infection. Most typically with very recently (2 to 3 weeks following exposure) acquired HIV, persons experience the acute retroviral syndrome (ARS) which is characterized by a severe sore throat, widespread muscle or joint aches and high fevers.

Swollen lymph nodes are a nonspecific response to inflammation including infections. They can result from dermatologic problems, viral infections of any sort, and a variety of other causes. If your swollen nodes were due to HIV which, given the no risk nature of your exposure, your HIV test would be positive at this time. EWH

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48 months ago

Thanks doc for your response . I haven’t tested after that kissing exposure . Do you think I should test ?

Also the inflammation I mentioned about is on my lower shoudler area , between the shoulder and tricep .

Could that be a lymph node ? I am pretty worried about thr whole thing .

I have NOT had anal or oral sex since last 2 years .

Please advise . Thanks a lot

Edward W. Hook M.D.

48 months ago

As you know, we provide up to three responses to each client's question. Thus this will be the final response as part of this thread.

I apologize if I provided mixed messages above. My assessment is unchanged- your exposure did not put you at risk for HIV, the symptoms you describe are not symptoms described as part of HIV infection and I see no medical or scientific reason for testing. That said and despite reassurance, many of our clients choose to further assure themselves by testing. My message was intended to indicate that, should you decide to test, when you get your negative result you can be completely confident that your symptoms, including the enlarged lymph node you detected, are not due to HIV.

The area between the triceps and the shoulder is not a typical place for a swollen lymph node to appear.

Hope this helps. Take care. EWH

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