Dear Dr. Bob,

I have protected vaginal intercourse with a CSW about a month ago. I also performed unprotected cunnilingus on her and some of her saliva may have gotten into my mouth when we were kissing.

Now I have been developing symptoms like sore throat (for three weeks now), enlarged neck lymph node, muscle pain and itchy red bumps on my neck, arms and thighs.

My question here is:

From your assessment of my risk level (PROTECTED vaginal intercourse, UNPROTECTED cunnilingus in which she is the recipient and highly possible exchange of saliva) is an HIV test at the 3 months mark sufficient or should I go for another test in 6 months assuming the test at the 3 months mark came back negative??

Thanks doc. Will donate 100 bucks to your worthy and noble cause.

Max

Hi, Max.

Relax Max! Your negative HIV test at three months following protected vaginal sex, unprotected cunnilingus and "highly possible exchange of saliva" is conclusive, definitive and WOO-HOO-able, assuming the latex condom was used properly and didn't break. The option to get a follow-up test at the six-month mark is always open to you, but it is not medically warranted based on the information you provided. See your general medical doctor for evaluation of any persistent or bothersome symptoms. I can't diagnose the cause of those symptoms over the Internet, but I can with great confidence advise what's not causing them: It's not HIV.

Thanks for your support of The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation (www.concertedeffort.org). It's warmly appreciated. In return I'm sending my good-luck/good-health karma that you are now and will forever be HIV free.

Good luck.

Dr. Bob