Question: Hi Doctor,

I would like some advice about my possible exposure to HIV. My only possible exposure was about 4 weeks ago, and it was a handjob by a CSW. I did lick her nipples (and I might have had an ulcer in my mouth at the time) but I don't think she was lactating. She had another customer right before and I'm concerned: if there was still semen on her hand, what are the chances of contracting HIV? Can HIV survive in the semen even though it has been out of the body for a while?

I'm concerned because I've been experiencing a flurry of funny symptoms. For the past week or so I've been feeling a very dull but persistent ache on the right side of my neck. About 3 days ago, I began to notice swollen lymph nodes right below my ears (at the end of the jawbone) that are tender to the touch.

On Saturday (2 days ago), I had a weak stomach and I vomitted, along with some loose stool the next day. Till today, I'm still having a weak stomach. This episode was followed by a light fever that went away in a day with some Panadol and did not come back. In addition, I was also having a blocked/runny nose since Saturday.

My questions are as follows:
- with regards to my possible exposure, what is my risk of HIV in your opinion? Is there a need to get tested?
- What are the possible reasons for my symptoms (aches, lymph nodes, blocked/runny nose, and some nausea/loose stool)?

Appreciate your kind opinion. Thank you.