Gave oral to someone with HIV

[michonne]

I thought he was negative at the time so I"m assuming his viral load was very high. He didn't ejaculate in my mouth and I don't remember tasting any precum. I only performed the said act for a few minutes. I'm aware of the Page-Shafer study but I highly doubt anyone in that study had a high viral load.

This happened in early 2008. So 5 years ago. I never had any symptoms related to ARS. I've never been tested because I've been celibate since then. Is there a chance that I contracted it from him?

[Ann]

Mich,

Unless you had terrible oral health at the time (think meth-mouth), then you've been worrying for no good reason.

In all three oral transmission studies, not every poz participant was on meds, so some people did have high viral loads. Maybe not in the millions, but high nonetheless.

If you need to test to put this behind you, do so. I fully expect you to test negative (provided you weren't also having unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse back then as well) and so should you.

You can find a testing center near you by putting your zip code into the top search box at poz.com's Health Services Directory.

Here's what you need to know in order to avoid hiv infection:

You need to be using condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, every time, no exceptions until such time as you are in a securely monogamous relationship where you have both tested for ALL sexually transmitted infections together.

To agree to have unprotected intercourse is to consent to the possibility of being infected with an STI. Sex without a condom lasts only a matter of minutes, but hiv is forever.

Have a look through the condom and lube links in my signature line so you can use condoms with confidence.

Anyone who is sexually active should be having a full sexual health care check-up, including but not limited to hiv testing, at least once a year and more often if unprotected intercourse occurs.

If you aren't already having regular, routine check-ups, now is the time to start. As long as you make sure condoms are being used for intercourse, you can fully expect your routine hiv tests to return with negative results.

Don't forget to always get checked for all the other sexually transmitted infections as well, because they are MUCH easier to transmit than hiv. Some of the other STIs can be present with no obvious symptoms, so the only way to know for sure is to test.

Use condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, correctly and consistently, and you will avoid hiv infection. It really is that simple!

Ann

[michonne]

I'm panicking because a few months ago I started getting these dry flaky patches under one of my eyebrows. I can scratch them off but they come right back.

I found this post from a POZ guy and now I'm worried that this is a sign I contracted it from giving oral to the HIV+ guy!

I started having extreme dandruff and flaking that went around my hairline, in my sideburns, eyebrows, in the mddle of my hairy chest and my shoulders before meds. I used and still use Head and Shoulders. I got immeditate relief from the first shampoo. You would have thought that I was doing that shampoo commercial for some other brand where they get in the shower and...."aahhh...ooohhhhyes".....though it has cleared up I decided to continue with Head and Shoulders as prevention.

http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=20826.0

[RapidRod]

You never had an exposure and your dry patches have nothing to do with HIV. If you are concerned about your dry patches see a dermatologist.

[jkinatl2]

People with HIV can get dandruff too. It's not a sign of HIV infection. It's a sign of dry scalp, usually. You really have nothing to worry about and our assessment remaibf the same.

If you have dry skin patches then perhaps you should change soap, especially face soap. I had dry skin for years until I switched to a gentler soap.

[michonne]

The five most agonizing days of my life are over. Just got my results back and everything is fine. Cholesterol is down too. Thank you Cheerios 

Thanks for everything you do here guys!

[Ann]

The five most agonizing days of my life are over. Just got my results back and everything is fine. Cholesterol is down too. Thank you Cheerios 

Thanks for everything you do here guys!

You're welcome!

Use condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, correctly and consistently, and you will avoid hiv infection. It really is that simple!!!

Ann