I received a negative result on the HIV duo test. Am I safe?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had an exposure two months back. I received a blow job from a sex worker. The activity I indulged in was blowjob and kiss, no penetrative sex was done, and I did not give her oral either. I was so tensed that on the 20th day of exposure, I had HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) 2 plus p24 antigen tests which came negative with an index value (.1) and index value greater than one are positive according to the report. I am so depressed and will go for testing after three months. Is my exposure high risk? Which test should I do now? And what are my chances for other STDs(Sexually Transmitted Disease)?

Answer 1

Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com.

First, I need to inform you that, the oral cavity has the lowest viral load and the possibility of transmission is least to none. Secondly, the HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) virus has an envelope that is made of fats which will be digested by salivary enzymes. So, HIV survival is least in saliva. But, only indication to count is injury or ulcer in the oral cavity.

Thirdly, coming to your scenario, oral sex cannot transmit the infection even if she had HIV infection considering she had no oral ulcers and you had no ulcer on the penis. You are not at risk of acquiring HIV. HIV has a window period of 45 days to three months. So get western blot test after 45 days to completely rule out HIV infection.

Coming to STD, yes, you may get and chances are high. The infection can be HPV (human papillomavirus), HSV (herpes simplex virus). No need to have any measures at this stage.