am I at risk

[inform]

Three weeks back I snorted several lines of cocaine with a woman of unknown status(not something I normally do,too much alcohol at a party).I did not notice any blood nor was I looking.My nose was bloody for days afterward when blowing it.Exactly 14 days later I awoke to four red bumps in my groin area,dermatologist said could be bites or could be viral,two days after that I came down with a stomach ache that has lasted six days now,severe first three days now mild.Additionally had a headache and feeling of a cold minus the stuffines and sneezing.My concern is HIV risk,I have no explanation for the rash and timing.I did not have sex that night and my status was negative prior to that.Please advise regarding risk and testing.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Glad to hear it but not suprised.  No need for further testng.  EWH

[inform]

tested negative at 4 weeks,is it necessary to retest

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Slight overlap = some peole who acqired HIV feel as though they have a cold, as you do.  BUT, the entire picture you describe does not sound at all like HIV and the rash you describe is not consistent with HIV.  EWH

[inform]

Thank You for your reply,question what do you mean by slight overlap,my concern was with the four red bumps,I have no way of getting in touch with this woman nor do I want to go the emotional turmoil with testing.If you belive it is not necessary then I will take it at that.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

We have received a number of questions about risk of HIV related to shared "straws" used for cocaine snorting.  Our answers in the past are the same as what I am about to tell you.

There has been a case report or two which suggest that in persons who have repeatedly snorted cocaine through shared straws in the presence of bloody noses, HIV has been transmitted. The people who acquired HIV have had other risk factors as well making things a bit murky at to the role of the shared straws.  If this happens, it is very, very rare considering just how much cocaine has been snorted over the years.

Now, on to your own situation.  For starters, you do not know the status of this woman.  Statistically the chances that she has HIV are very, very low.  If you know her, you might ask her or even see if she is willing to get tested. This would be far and away the most direct approach to your concerns.  If this is not possible you may want to get tested at the 4 week period. Given your situation and the very low risk that you got HIV this way, a negative test at 4 weeks is strong evidence that you did not get HIV from this event.

Now a few comments on your symptoms.  For starters, the fact that you have no explanation for where your cold/flu-like illness came from should not surprise you.  Most people don't know who they got their colds from.  Secondly, most people with HIV do not develop the ARS.  Thirdly, your symptoms, while having slight overlap, really do not match up all that well with the ARS.  I am confident your symptoms are not ARS.

Bottom line, you really have just about nothing to be concerned about.  Please don't worry.  I personally don't feel you need testing but if my assurances are insufficient, I've also suggested several other possible approaches.  Hope this helps.  EWH

[inform]

forgot to mention we shared the same dollar bill