Oh Dear! Coffee Burn!

[dudeperson]

Hello, folks!

On Nov 27, I had coffee with a person I had just met. I scalded the roof of my mouth, but didn't realize to quite the extent I had done so until later. That night, this fellow (of unknown HIV status) and I fooled around a tad and I sucked him off for a couple minutes, and he pre'd in my mouth (no ejaculation). Later that night, I realized a good bit of skin was peeling off the roof of my mouth. I am slightly concerned about the risk of HIV transmission - is it low, or should I be concerned? I will, of course, get tested at the 6 week, 3 month, and 6 month marks, as I always do after an encounter.

In addition, 2 days ago I came down with what appears to be a sinus infection. I get them fairly often and seasonally, so I do not think it's anything serious. I also do not think Acute HIV affects the respiratory - however, it could have been a fever a couple days prior that weaked my immune system and led to a Sinus Infection. Or I may be overworrying.

Thanks for your help!

[Andy Velez]

Dude, you are worrying needlessly about HIV. Your saliva contains over a dozen elements and proteins which very effectively prevent the transmission of viable HIV if it is present.

The ONLY confirmed risks for the sexual transmission of HIV are unprotected vaginal and anal intercourse. As long as condoms are always used properly for those activities you will be well protected.

As for your symptoms, they are certainly not HIV specific. If they persist you should consult with your doctor.

There is no need for testing. Let this go and get on with your life. Really.

[dudeperson]

Hello again! I greatly appreciate your response Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions.

I know you told me not to worry, but there have been some recent developments:
1) I was tested for HIV on January 4th after becoming sick again. The test I took was a Uni-Gold Recombigen thumb-prick. The result was negative.
2) On Jan 6 I woke up with a very swollen sublingual salivary gland. To this day, it has not completely subsided. According to this WebMD article, salivary swelling can be a sign of HIV: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/salivary-gland-problems-infections-swelling
3) On Jan 7, I woke up with the lymph nodes under my neck (right below my cheeks, on either side of my jaw) very swollen. It has not completely subsided. It was mostly my right lymph node, but I had some swelling in the left and it's still tender. I have also read that swollen lymph nodes are a telltale sign of HIV infection.
4) I have visited an ENT (today) and he recommended I take another course of antibiotics. He stated that I had an infection in my salivary glands and my lymph nodes under my neck.

So.. I guess at this point I'm still assessing risk - it's hard to do day-to-day activities while I have this extreme worry. My HIV risk was literally only what I initially posted you.. however, the HIV clinic counselor I saw on Jan 4 said that Oral sex carries only a "lower" risk than anal - that it's not 'extremely low' like some say. I'm more inclined to believe an optimist.. but could you delve into this a bit more for me?

Lastly, how conclusive would the test be on Jan 4 if my possible exposure was Nov 27?

I love you guys

[jkinatl2]

You had no possible exposure. I know better than to travel down that rabbit hole of testing feasibility with someone who ignores the fact that there was no need for a test in the first place.