need a professionals reassurence

[need to get this out of my head]

This past weekend I was dancing in a club and i kissed a guy open mouth for about 10 seconds. What are the chances of me picking up an STD such as HIV or herpes? I am nervous because this week my whole body hurts, headache, mild fever, feels like a common cold so its probably a coincidence. but id like to know if im at any risk(HIV or herpes..he had no sore visible)and i figured why not ask someone who seems like he knows pretty much everything.

thank you for this website..even when im not posting questions its great to see your responses. i know you set a lot of people at ease. thank you!

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

By definition, catching an STD requires sex.  In other words, STDs exclude things that can be transmitted by kissing.  Open-mouth kissing is the most efficient way there is to transmit the common cold and other respiratory viruses, and that almost certainly is what is going on.  (Maybe not coincidene, in other words; you might well have caught your cold or other virus from the guy you kissed.)  HPV isn't an issue.  Oral herpes is a theoretical possibility, but not considered an STD and anyway there is a good bet you already have it (half the population does) and therefore immune to catching it again.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[need to get this out of my head]

you wrote "HPV isn't an issue". im assuming you meant HIV...but im also guessing both arent an issue?? Thanks again!

[Willl]

Neither is an issue and it would be too early for any HIV related symptoms anyway.