Could Oral Contact with a Massage Therapist Lead to Infection?

Infection concerns?

Hello doctor, I visited a massage parlor on March 1st and licked the massage therapist's nipple.
I know this is very unhygienic, but at that moment, due to some issues, I was emotionally unstable and acted foolishly.
Starting on the night of March 3rd, I began to experience warmth in my ears and limbs.
On the night of March 5th, I had a fever of 37.6°C.
I went to the hospital for a complete blood count, and everything was normal; the flu test was also negative.
After that, I did not have a fever until March 9th, when I started to have low-grade fevers every night.
On March 12th, I experienced pain in the back of my neck.
On March 14th, I had a brief fever of 38.1°C, which then subsided, and I had a bit of phlegm, but aside from that, I did not have any cough or sore throat symptoms.
I have been wearing a mask while using public transportation for the past two weeks.
Could the source of infection possibly be from licking the massage therapist's nipple?

Chan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/03/15

Dr. Liao Zhongxin reply Internal Medicine

In addition to HIV, there are other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or skin diseases that can be transmitted through contact.
HIV is primarily spread through unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing of drug injection needles, and vertical transmission from mother to child, so the risk of contracting HIV is relatively low.
If you still have questions, you can consult and get tested at a nearby medical facility.

Reply Date: 2024/03/15

More Info

The concern regarding potential infections from oral contact, particularly in the context of engaging with a massage therapist, is valid and warrants careful consideration. In your case, the act of licking the therapist's nipple could theoretically expose you to various pathogens, depending on the health status of the individual involved.
Firstly, it is essential to understand the transmission routes of common infections. Many infections can be transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids, including saliva, blood, and other secretions. In the context of oral contact, the primary concerns would typically include sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis, gonorrhea, and herpes, as well as viral infections like hepatitis B and C, and HIV, although the latter is less commonly transmitted through oral sex compared to other routes.

Given your description, the symptoms you experienced—such as fever, body aches, and throat discomfort—could be indicative of a viral infection, but they are not specific to any one pathogen. The fact that you tested negative for influenza and had normal blood work is reassuring, but it does not completely rule out other infections. The onset of low-grade fevers and muscle aches could suggest a viral illness, which may or may not be related to your encounter.

Regarding the specific risk of infection from licking the therapist's nipple, several factors come into play:
1. Health Status of the Therapist: If the therapist had any open sores, lesions, or was harboring an infectious disease, the risk of transmission would increase. However, without visible signs of infection, the risk remains lower.

2. Your Oral Health: If you had any cuts, sores, or compromised mucosal barriers in your mouth, this could increase your susceptibility to infections.
3. Type of Contact: Oral contact with mucous membranes (like the nipple) can pose a risk for certain infections, but the risk is generally lower compared to direct sexual contact involving penetration.

4. Incubation Period: Many infections have specific incubation periods. If you were to contract an STI, symptoms typically manifest within a few days to weeks after exposure. Your timeline of symptoms starting a few days after the encounter aligns with this, but it is not definitive.

5. Preventive Measures: Wearing a mask while using public transportation is a good practice to reduce the risk of respiratory infections, but it does not mitigate the risk of infections transmitted through direct contact.

In conclusion, while there is a theoretical risk of infection from licking the therapist's nipple, the actual risk depends on multiple factors, including the health status of both parties involved and the nature of the contact. If you continue to experience symptoms or have concerns about potential infections, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and possibly testing for STIs or other infections. Regular screening and practicing safer sex can significantly reduce the risk of transmission of STIs and other infections in the future.

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