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From: bob@ozdaltx.UUCP (Bob Culmer)
Newsgroups: sci.med.aids
Subject: Re: I CONFESS MY IGNORANCE...
Message-ID: <39335@shemp.CS.UCLA.EDU>
Date: 25 Sep 90 18:54:41 GMT
References: <39245@shemp.CS.UCLA.EDU>
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Note:	Copyright 1990 by Daniel R. Greening.  Permission granted for
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In article <39245@shemp.CS.UCLA.EDU>, Holly.12@f718.n202.z1.fidonet.org (Holly 12) writes:
> Most gays who have contracted AIDS were on the receiving side of anal 
> intercourse; it is next to impossible to get AIDS from oral sex unless actual 
> ejaculation takes place; rimming is not risky as far as contracting AIDS.
>         
> Is there any truth to that?

As far as I know from the readings I've done, the first statement is
false.  Receptive and "active" partners in anal intercourse both
have contracted the disease.  There was a study in San Francisco
early in the epidemic that tracked people who were exclusively
receptive partners and those who were exclusively "active" or as the
slang terms are "bottom" and "top".  There was no indication that
being exclusively top significantly reduced risk.  I have a friend who
was exclusively top, and he is ill.  The other two activities have
theoretical possibility of transmission, but seem to be hard to get
definite stats on transmission. They are generally listed as unsafe or
risky if performed without condoms or dental dams (as appropriate).

> Also, this same friend told me that HIV virus generally shows up 
> within 8 to 16 weeks after exposure.
>         
> Is there any truth to that?

Yes.

> And, when discussing the idea that was being circulated somewhile back that 
> you could have the virus in your body from sexual contact within the past 12 
> years, 
Generally I think this is true - you can be infected this long without
showing symptoms.

That's all I canm answer.

-- 
Bob Culmer - Dallas        | "Hearts will never be practical until 
Somewhere over the rainbow |  they can be made unbreakable." - Wizard
...in the Land of OZ       | "But I still want one." - Tin Man
            {mic,void,egsner}!ozdaltx!bob