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Home / Answered Questions / I am a woman and I kissed and received oral sex from a man who may be HIV positive. Do I need to get myself tested for HIV? I never reciprocated oral sex on him and there was no semen or genital to genital contact however I am feeling very worried. Is it possible that anything was transmitted with these acts? I also read online that you may experience fever like symptoms after initial infection and I feel as if I may be experiencing them. Thank you.

I am a woman and I kissed and received oral sex from a man who may be HIV positive. Do I need to get myself tested for HIV? I never reciprocated oral sex on him and there was no semen or genital to genital contact however I am feeling very worried. Is it possible that anything was transmitted with these acts? I also read online that you may experience fever like symptoms after initial infection and I feel as if I may be experiencing them. Thank you.

Thanks for writing in with your concerns. HIV is not transmitted through saliva and HIV is not transmitted through kissing. Oral sex is considered to be a very low risk for HIV transmission and the person most at risk with oral sex is the giver not the receiver. If  it is a rumour that your partner has HIV, consider having a conversation with him yourself about HIV and both of you having HIV and STI testing done to reassure each other especially if you will be seeing each other again.
If you have never tested for HIV, then it is currently advised for everyone to test so they know their own status, and if found to be HIV positive, can start medication treatment right away. Hope this helps. Health Nurse