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Can HIV be acquired via deep kissing?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At August 2, 2018
Reviewed AtDecember 19, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am very anxious I might have acquired HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Two weeks ago, I deep kissed a man I had just met whose serological status I do not know. During our kiss, I tasted some blood coming from a cut in his lip. I just mixed that small amount with saliva and swallowed it. 34 hours later, I started a PEP (Post-exposure Prophylaxis) regimen out of worry, which I am still keeping up with. Two weeks later, I am now suffering from a 38 celsius fever for three days, with fatigue and night sweats and recently an enlarged painless lymph node in my neck. No sore throat, no sneezing nor coughing. I am even suffering from daily insomnia which I think is both because of my anxiety and a side effect of my PEP regimen. Please help me understand my HIV risk and what I should do next.

Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com.

Is it possible for you to investigate your partner? Any other kind of exposure like penovaginal, peno-anal, or oral? Looking forward to your response in order to help you.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I have been asking him to get tested but he seems not to care much because he does not feel sick. The only other activity we did was oral sex (he gave me oral. I did not put his penis in my mouth).

Hello, Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The only way to relieve your anxiety symptoms and side effects of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is to find out the HIV status of your partner with testing. Otherwise, you may have to live in pain and agony for six months as confirmation after PEP can only be done after six months. Nevertheless, if the partner is not ready then please take a full course of PEP and testing at four weeks and six months. In my personal experience, the risk is extremely low and you will not be affected.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I got checked yesterday for my fever and was diagnosed with typhoid fever which fits perfectly with my symptoms and CBC (Complete Blood Count). The issue now is that I have hepatosplenomegaly because of typhoid and high liver enzymes. I feel like I should stop taking PEP so as not to risk liver failure or something. Please see attached my CBC, ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate), and CRP (C- Reactive Protein) results. I do not have jaundice yet but my liver is definitely inflamed due to typhoid. Please let me know what to do regarding PEP (I am taking Eviplera: Tenofovir, Rilpivirine, Emtricitabine).

Hello, Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I would advise you to finish the course of PEP. It should only be stopped when it is absolutely contraindicated.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Atishay Bukharia
Dr. Atishay Bukharia

Dermatology

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