What gives?

[nole35]

Hi all.  I am concerned about some symptoms that have arisen very recently and wanted to get some insight.  Right now I have a cold sore above my lip and below my nose, I've been feeling somewhat fatigued as of late (which accompanies muscle stiffness), and I have a bit of a sore throat.

I'm a sexually active gay male and none of my encounters in the past month have included unprotected anal sex (insertive partner), but I have given oral sex and came in contact with sperm.

Questions:

1. Is the cold sore connected to the other symptoms?

2. What is the likelihood of HIV transmission through oral sex?

3. What is the likelihood of HIV transmission through anal sex as the insertive partner (if a condom broke)?

I've had these symptoms a very short period of time, and the cold sore began about 4 days ago.

Thank you for your help!

[nole35]

Slight revision.  My fever reached 101.8 and has now subsided (98 degrees average), and I've gone through muscle stiffness and mild fatigue, but most prominent is the cold sore, which has now turned into 4.  Three are on my bottom lip and are small, the original is above my upper lip.  Besides that, no sores anywhere else, no swollen glands.  I also had a more prominent sore throat this morning.  No stomach pain or anything to that effect.

I have a doctor's appointment for tomorrow, would love some more insight if possible.

Many thanks!

[nursegirl6572]

I have to agree that it sounds like you are having a HSV-1 outbreak.  A large portion of the population actually test pos for the virus, just never experience any cold sores/lesions, therefore, if you do test pos for herpes, it will be quite difficult to determine when you were exposed to the virus...it could have even been in childhood from a casual contact.

If oral sex was your only risk...then you have no worries when it comes to HIV.  As far as condom protected sex...same thing...if the condom remained intact, then you didn't have a risk.  You wouldn't have a doubt if the condom broke...it is very obvious.

My suggestion to you would be to see your doctor and be worked up for HSV-1 (and HSV-2) so that you can be treated (and properly educated about protecting future partners) if you test POS.  HSV-1 is the most common culprit of oral herpes lesions, HOWEVER, in less common circumstances, the cause can be HSV-2, the virus responsible for genital herpes.  Either virus can cause outbreaks either orally or in the genital area...and spreading from one site to another (via oral sex, foreplay etc) is possible.  You need to be tested for both to see what is going on.

Good luck.

[Teak]

HSV1 causes cold sores around the mouth.

[nole35]

I've read that Herpes 1 is associated with fatigue and muscle aches, I'll assume that is what I have. LOVELY.

[Vance2335]

1. No-sounds like Herpes 1
2. None from recent studies
3. Depends but it is high risk

You can test at 3 months post exposure for a conclusive result. But using condoms will not give you a risk.