swollen lymph nodes
Hi There,
Thank you for using AIDS Vancouver as your source of HIV/AIDS related information.
First of all, if you have received a negative test 12 weeks or more after a possible exposure, your results are conclusive.
There is no need for further testing unless you have had another potential exposure.
It is also important to know that giving oral sex is considered to be a low risk exposure. This is because while it does involve an exchange of body fluids, there have only been a few reports of infection attributed to this activity.
saliva is not the bodily fluids that can pass the virus. Also an enzym in saliva actually inhibit the virus from entering the bloodstream.
You need to swallow more than 4 gallons of saliva to pose a risk to begin with. And your stomach content (very acidic environment) kills the virus even if you swallow semen.
If you had no open cuts or soars in your mouth at the time the chance of infection once again goes down considerably.
Swollen lymph nodes is not necessarily a sign of acute infection. They can be explained by a variety of other things. This is why testing is the only way to really know your status. Since you have received several negative test results, it is time to trust these extremely accurate and reliable testing methods.
If you have not seem a doctor for the symptom yet, it may be good time to do so.
In Health,
Stephanie
AIDS Vancouver Helpline Volunteer
E-mail: helpline@aidsvancouver.org
Phone (Mon-Fri 9-4pm): (604) 696-4666
Disclaimer
The AIDS Vancouver Helpline is a volunteer-driven information, referral and support service related to HIV and sexual health. Volunteers are trained in active listening, HIV and sexual health information, and local resources and services. Volunteers are not doctors, nurses, or other licensed professionals. Volunteers do not give advice, and strive to provide service-users with adequate information and appropriate referrals.
Helpline volunteers uphold the agency’s confidentiality and privacy policies. Your calls, forum posts, and emails are anonymous. We welcome you to use a pseudonym or “fake name” when using Helpline services. We will not ask for or track your personal information. To ensure that the Helpline program is providing quality services, the Helpline Coordinator regularly monitors online content (forum posts and emails) and supervises volunteers who are receiving calls.
The Helpline Program should not be used in replacement of medical examination, diagnosis, advice counseling or follow-up care. We strongly recommend routine testing (HIV and STI tests) and discussing your healthcare directly with a physician.
We would love to hear from you! If you have feedback or questions related to the operations of the Helpline, please contact David at helpline@aidsvancouver.org or by calling 604.696.4666.
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