7 days later, I have a sore throat, and initially, I thought “zero risk,” but now I am deeply concerned and the answers on the internet are always so vague. Could you please assess this risk?

 

Thank you for reaching out. We understand that situations like these can be tough to navigate, and we’re happy to help.

Hand-to-genital contact is zero risk for HIV transmission. Commercial sex trade workers are no more likely than anyone else to be HIV positive. For this reason, we focus on the activities performed and not the individuals involved.

A razor cut on the base of your penis, or a cut on the hand of the person touching your penis, even with a small amount of bleeding, would be considered no HIV transmission risk. There have only been a small number of documented cases involving open wounds associated with severe trauma with extensive tissue damage. This rare transmission can occur through the type of wounds that require immediate medical attention, not healed razor cuts, paper cuts or little scabs many people often have on their skin.

This incident would not necessarily prompt HIV testing unless you are due for your routine testing. Manitobans who are sexually active should be tested at least every 5 years, and perhaps more often if you have sex with multiple partners, sex with people whose HIV status you don’t know, or if you use injection drugs. You can ask your doctor for testing, or find an STI testing centre in MB near you. Hand jobs do not pose an HIV transmission risk, but if you are still feeling worried about the risk of other STIs during hand jobs, you can wear a condom or ask the person to wear a latex (or non-latex) glove. The Safer Sex Guide is an easy to understand booklet on different types of sex and how to decrease STI transmission and what STIs you may want to be tested for at least every 5 years.

As for your sore throat, symptoms are not used for diagnosing HIV, as many common symptoms may be caused by other viral infections unrelated to HIV or a cold, or allergies, etc. The only way to know your HIV status is to get tested. We’d encourage you to talk to your healthcare provider. STI testing can provide you with definitive answers and help to put your mind at ease.