I'm worried and stressed? Doc can you please help me out?

[DaWiseOne]

I recently had several possible exposures with massage parlor workers and I'm worried that I was infected with HIV. I was exposed to unprotected oral sex but performed protected vaginal sex. Three weeks ago I was diagnosed with Strep Throat which resolved with Cephalexin antibiotics. One week after that I started to feel dizzy and have double vision. I went to ER and they diagnosed me with Bell's Palsy and said that I shouldn't worry. This is the third week and I currently taking Prednisone and Valtrex...actually I already finished Valtrex so I'm really just taking the Prednisone. My physician told me to stop worrying and that HIV is not my problem. I decided to visit the neurologist and he said that is wasn't Bell's Palsy...he believes it's Fisher Syndrome. He wants to do a EMG and NCS but I said no because I'm not sure i need to be stuck in my back for something that is already going away. I guess I need to know if I should be worried about HIV. I just took my HIV test today and I'm so worried....I get my results next week. Please someone help me!! I've always made sure the condem didn't break...I was the person receiving fellatio and not giving. I don't have any cuts, bumps, warts, or anything. I always use a condem for vaginal sex.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Unprotected oral really isn't a risk; some people believe it is zero risk for HIV, and if it is a risk at all, it is too small to measure.  Your physician is correct and your symptoms don't suggest HIV anyway.  Assuming you have no other HIV risks, you can be sure your test result will be negative.

If you're going to react this way after such low risk events, you need to either stop going to massage parlors or use condoms for oral sex as well as vaginal. Not because there is any signficant risk, just so you won't worry about it.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[DaWiseOne]

HHH, MD

Thanks for the advice. I promise I will never put myself through a stressing situation like this ever again. Honestly, unprotective oral sex is my only risk for HIV exposure. You kinds words have yet to help another person in need. If I could give you an award I would do so for your help and taking your time to answer my question.

Thank You Sir!!