Dear Dr. Kull,

I have given and received oral sex to roughly 18 men of different races at different intervals since 199, the most frightneing of which happened in a sauna. The last activity was in January this year. If it were any consolation, none of them did cum in my mouth although I am not sure if some precum entered my mouth. I wear/have dental bridges (as opposed to dentures). I understand that while it may be a low risk activity, I am afraid that having exposed to many increases the risk, especially that I do not know their HIV status (that sauna experience makes me feel really awful now...I regret it so much...).

Now I am afraid that I am developing some symptoms. I have some breathing difficulty a month ago. I easily get tired/exhausted (fatigue?). I am losing weight and muscle mass (? I can now roll my wristwatch around which used to be just tight enough to stay where it is...). I also expereinced headache as soon as I wake up for a week or two. At one time, I had swallowing difficulty and afraid that my throat has swelled. I also have small red spots in my chest, arms and legs/thigh area (around 20 all in all) which turns brown after two days or so. I also have several in my forehead close to my hairline. When I press my skin, at one time the area turns white and then gets back to normal. I also think I have joint and muscle pains. I do not know what to do. I am really nervous and I feel down. I cannot talk to anybody about this. I am even ashamed to go for a test (btw, How long does it take to get serology test results?)

How likely that I got infected by multiple low-risk exposure?

Answer me please. Thanks for your attention.

Performing oral sex on men is generally considered a low-risk activity, especially when compared to anal or vaginal sex without condoms. It is believed that a person's risk for infection increases--and its hard to estimate to what degree--when ejaculate/semen gets in the person's mouth. Oral health is also considered as a factor in determining a person's risk for infection through oral sex.

An HIV antibody test is the only way to tell if you are HIV infected or not. Don't try to figure your serostatus out by focusing on your symptoms: that is a fruitless task.

I am not sure what your specific concern is about the sauna incident, but it might be important that you find some way to talk about this experience with someone. It sounds like you are experiencing some intense feelings (shame?) in isolation.

Which leads me to my next point. You are experiencing a lot of different symptoms and it is difficult to tell from my standpoint how severe they are. It is important that you talk with your doctor about symptoms you are experiencing, but don't forget to acknowledge the impact that your mental health can have on your body. Some of the symptoms you describe could be related to stress, depression, or anxiety.

RMK