partner just diagnosed HIV positive- level of risk?

[mighty mouse]

Hello Everyone,

I am here because I have a question. I read over other posts, but I am not finding an answer. This is what happened: I have been with my partner for couple of months, and he just told me that he is HIV positive. My concern is this, is deep kissing a risky behavior to practice? I love my partner regardless. I noticed his coughing is becoming more intense and sweats a lot. I read over informaiton on ARS...I still went ahead and kiss (deep kissed) my partner. Does this put me at risk for HIV? I was getting a sore throat but I am thinking HIV is not transmitted from simply making out with my partner after he coughs?? Oh, and where can I get information on working colaboratively with my partner since he is positive and I am negative? I read some of the CDC information which states that there has been one identified case. But I also know that the CDC holds a conservative stance.

Any information is greatly appreciated. Thank you ahead of time.

Love
Jose

[mighty mouse]

Hi,

I just noticed that there are two mighty mouse screen names. Mine has a space in between so I am a different person. Just wanted to clarify because I respect this site and dont want to be seen as someone who is utilizing more than one names.

Thanks

[md]

Kissing someone who is HIV positive does not put you at risk.

If you have not already done so you should read the lessons at: http://www.aidsmeds.com/lessons/StartHere1.htm

Assuming that you have not engaged in any risky behaviour (ie intercourse without a condom) with your new partner or with anyone else you should not be at any risk and have no reason to be tested.

The fact that you had a sore throat means nothing in relation to possible HIV infection.

Lots of people get sore throats - especially at this time of year when colds, flu and various other infections are rampant.

You might want to introduce your partner to these forums and also check out the "Living with HIV" and "Someone I care about has HIV" forums yourself.

[RapidRod]

Don't worry about your logon name Ann has a special way of telling who is who.

[Ann]

Mouse,

I can change your screen name to something else (we only do this in rare instances) so send me a PM with a new name, if you wish. All your posts will change to your new name.

As you've been told, hiv is not transmitted through kissing. It isn't transmitted through coughing either. Hiv resides in blood, semen and, cervical and anal mucus. As long as you and your partner use condoms for intercourse, you'll  be fine. Everyday contact will not put you in any danger of infection.

Read through the condom and lube links in my signature line so you can use those condoms with confidence.

Ann

[mighty mouse]

In other words, the information that I gathered from  the CDC in terms of "french kissing" or "deep kissing" is inaccurate? One other thing, is ARS contagious ? Thanks.

[Ann]

Mouse,

Kissing, in any shape or form, is not a risk for hiv infection. Keep in mind who the CDC is funded by - a White House administration who thinks Abstinence Only policies work (they don't) and who think nobody should have sexual relations of any sort outside a heterosexual marriage.

ARS stands for Acute Retroviral Syndrome and in itself is not contagious. Please read the Welcome Thread and follow the Transmission Lesson link so you can understand better what is and what isn't a risk for hiv infection.

Hiv is a fragile, difficult to transmit virus that is primarily transmitted INSIDE the human body, as in unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse. As long as you make sure condoms are being used for anal or vaginal intercourse, every time, no exceptions, you will avoid hiv infection. Also, you must not share needles or other drug injecting equipment if you happen to be a person who uses street drugs, including steroids.

Hiv is NOT spread through casual, everyday contact and that includes sharing eating or drinking utensils.

Ann

[ACinKC]

Deep kissing is NOT a risk any advice to the contrary is inaccurate.  If deep kissing was a risk this epidemic would be 100x bigger than it is dont you think?

ARS is NOT contagious.  It is the outward expression of your partners body fighting the infection.  But it sounds like he may not be experiencing ARS.  If he is positive and has known it, he most likely has already experienced ARS.  My reccomendation is that he seeks medical attention if it is severe as there are far more dangerous infections to those of us with compromised immune systems.  And if his numbers are not very good then he could be in serious danger.  

I must also add that I do NOT know what his CD4 count is or any of his health background, and I cannot diagnose anything over the web.  You should have him consult an ID Specialist if he has not already.

[Andy Velez]

Mouse, I won't repeat what others have already told you about the non-risk in relation to your questions.

Rather I would say that as a sero-discordant couple, you and your bf would do well to sit down with his doctor and discuss what maybe both of your concerns about protecting your negative status. Many thousands of such couples are enjoying good lives together in every way including sexually. It just requires consistently taking safer sex precautions and most particularly always using condoms for intercourse.

His doctor should be able to answer any questions either of you may have.

[mighty mouse]

Thank you all for your support and educational informaiton provided to me. I appreciate it.