Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Snorting cocaine and hepatitis c risk

The other night I did something really stupid and had a line of cocaine at a house party, but used my own straw. The only thing is that I am starting to think that maybe the bread knife I used to cut the straw might have had blood on it (not that I noticed anything). For instance, say if, hypothetically, somebody cut himself or herself beforehand and then (even after washing the knife with standard washing up liquid) the knife still managed to scrape tiny or microscopic traces of blood onto the straw. I know, it sounds irrational but how does one rationalize this? I feel completely paralyzed (stuck between the rational and irrational). I mean, am I over thinking this? Have I really put myself at risk for Hepatitis C? I would really appreciate a second opinion. God bless

I have read that Hepatitis C can only be infectious (outside the body) between 16 hours and 4 days.

I am not concerned about HIV or Hepatitis A and B because 1) I can account that the knife was not used 4 to 5 hours before, allowing enough time for any HIV virus to die 2) I have been vaccinated against hepatitis A and B

Please no hurtful comments. Just looking for a second opinion. Thanks
39 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Hi, folks,

This discussion has run its course.

________________________________________________

                  ** CLOSED DISCUSSION**
                 NO MORE COMMENTS PLEASE
________________________________________________
Helpful - 0
179856 tn?1333547362
but I also believe that none of you know enough about life to be making such harsh judgements. "

Then why are you asking us over and over and over again.  Would you like a different answer?

Yes perhaps you are infected with the dread HEPATITIS C and now you will have to tell everyone that you got it via drug use so you will be stigmatized forever as a result.  Please be tested after your high risk behavior immediately.

Is that better than the simple word "no?"
Helpful - 0
1747881 tn?1546175878
Knowledge is power, if you want to know about hcv transmission do the reseach yourself.
Have a nice day.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
NYGirl - I am so sorry I didn't mean to upset you. Please can you give me your opinion because people here say different things.  

In your opinion, did I put myself at risk with the whole BREAD knife thing?  
Helpful - 0
179856 tn?1333547362
Lance your question was answered ten times arleady.

If you don't like the answer get tested again - and then next time you do some more coke get tested after that.  People on here have a serious disease and just dont have the time/energy to answer you over and over and over and over.

BTW HCV did not kill my husband but drugs certainly did.

Which is worse?  hum...........
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
No I am not having a bad day it is this forum that has made me feel bad. The second the cocaine went up my nose was the same second the straw left my nose. For transmission to happen the cocaine would have had to cut the inside of my nose and then the straw would have had to rub against that cut at the same time. By the time the cocaine would have cut my nose the straw would have been outside the nose. There are like two sections of the nose; the bottom part (where you usually pick your nose) and the part that is further up the nose. Wen you snort cocaine it mainly goes up the second part of your nose and then the straw (which was a very slim straw) might and I emphasize might touch the walls at the bottom part of the nose. So no real contact has been made. Plus the fact that there probably wasn't anyone blood on the straw in the first place.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
If you don"t like the answers you got on a public forum..you are not obliged to read them

you are at no risk...if you are not sure of that by what non experts say...get tested..there really isn"t anymore we can help you with...thx for stopping in..
Will
Helpful - 0
1765684 tn?1333819168
I'm sorry that you're having a bad day.  But this is just plain obnoxious.

"I could seriously careless what you think my response was to the OP

And posting stupid snarky comments about picking your nose help no one. If you want to argue call your husband, that ain't me babe."
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Your all over the place. I just asked if I was at risk but seem to have got lectures on drugs.  
Helpful - 0
1491755 tn?1333201362
I could seriously careless what you think my response was to the OP

And posting stupid snarky comments about picking your nose help no one. If you want to argue call your husband, that ain't me babe.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
do urself a favour. get tested. u r definitly over analizing things. like someone else said stop drugs then u wont need tests please get help. u ask peoples advise and opinions on this site then when u get them u dont want the answers. u wont get the answers u want until u get a simple blood test
Helpful - 0
1747881 tn?1546175878
In no way would I like to place the drug addict stigma on people with hep c my heart goes out to all of you who lived inside the box and have this horrible disease, lance when I say horrible I mean it and if you choose to continue with " at risk behavior " the choice is all yours, but please don't come whining when your paranoid.
Helpful - 0
1765684 tn?1333819168

James10500 said:

"The CDC says there is little epidemiological evidence regarding this mode of transmission.  As my doc told me your nose has to be heavily damaged in order for this to occur. You are at no risk."

Your first comment was a general one.  Saying that there is little likelihood of transmission through snorting cocaine.

Who hasn't had a bloody nose from snorting cocaine?  It only takes once, man.  You can have a bloody nose the FIRST time you do it.  Don't have to be a "coke head" for that to happen.

Heavily damaged?  I think not.
Helpful - 0
1491755 tn?1333201362
Let me make this clear.

A one and done with a straw shared with no one, no chance.

Coke head with a bloody nose, heck ya !

Helpful - 0
1747881 tn?1546175878
I got it from using drugs, if your worried go get tested !!!!
Helpful - 0
1491755 tn?1333201362
Doc is not being irresponsible he simply said you have to have a bleeding nose in order for this to happen, not a one and done.  He runs HALT C studies sits on the board that decides who gets livers in this country and writes papers that your doc reads and bases his opinion on.

How do you get "poses no threat" out of your nose has to be pretty messed up for transmission to occur.  The OP said it was his own straw that he shared with no one, thus there was no transfer. For transfer to occur there must be someone with HCV involved i.e. at least to people. There was not, so how could transfer occur.  As you posted there is little data, not saying it can't happen, but there has to be blood involved, meaning the nose has to be messed up.  Of course this is coming from a person that's published 300+ papers on HCV. You ?
Helpful - 0
179856 tn?1333547362
I got it that way, no bread knives involved though, but lots and lots and lots of cocaine over a long period.

Was it worth it.............ah hell no.
Helpful - 0
1765684 tn?1333819168
From the CDC's website:

Is cocaine use associated with HCV transmission?

There are very limited epidemiologic data to suggest an additional risk from non-injection (snorted or smoked) cocaine use, but this risk is difficult to differentiate from associated injection drug use and sex with HCV-infected partners.

And

Until more data are available, whether persons with a history of noninjecting illegal drug use alone (e.g., intranasal cocaine use) are likely to be infected with HCV remains unknown.

And

Common practices associated with these clusters of infection include serosorting (i.e., HIV-infected men having sex with one another), group sex, and the use of cocaine and other nonintravenous drugs during sex.

The jury isn't back on it.  James10500, it's my opinion that your doctor is being irresponsible telling you that this activity poses no risk for HCV infection.

It simply isn't known what the risk is.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Just wanted to add something. Snorting drugs is definitely a viable way of transmitting HCV. As much as the CDC and other sources say risk is low I believe it happens more then we know.  People that are snorting cocaine usually are doing other risky things so snorting is over looked as how they got it.
This probably only happens when straws or bills are shared among users so
use your own straw if you continue to snort drugs.

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Sounds like you have already been "infected" by your family's SA.  I would say that is the thing to focus on with a psychotherapist and with a twelve step.  It seems like that influence is contagious and something that is going to be harder to shed than HepC would be.
Helpful - 0
1707536 tn?1334974077
"My only hope now is to survive and to one day be truly happy and live life abundantly."

Few people are 'truly happy' so you may be hoping for too much.

I'm not gonna lecture you on drugs, but if you must get high I'd suggest you switch to drugs with less potential for inducing paranoia and anxiety such as tranquilizers, opiates, etc.
Helpful - 0
1794638 tn?1345155061
Ok........... Lance, I think the first thing I would is admit you may have a problem and then look at the consequences of that behavior.    There are many choices out there for choosing a clean and sober life.  However it is something you have got to " WANT"     And I am sure you have heard this speech before, but it just engulfs me in rage when I see anyone using drugs.   Only because I have and now and lived through hell in the last 10 of 22 years of being clean and am fighting for my life.      It just pisses me off.  
Please find a 12 step program, they do work, if you work them and then surround your self around individuals who dont use drugs or drink.     Get your tesing done and then go forward, but still stay in a program.   This is only my suggestion to you.  It worked for me & I know it can work for you.    God Luck :)
Helpful - 0
1491755 tn?1333201362
The CDC says there is little epidemiological evidence regarding this mode of transmission.  As my doc told me your nose has to be heavily damaged in order for this to occur. You are at no risk.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Good advice! I've been taking drugs (weeds and cocaine) since I was a teenager but ever since stopping 14 week ago (with the exception of that one line the other night) I have become increasingly aware of the dangers. Mostly, I guess, I am still in stock about how senseless and irresponsible I have been for so many years. I was raise in this life style; my parents, family, friends, etc. I just never thought about it like this. It was all normal. But some reason now something has changed in me and it feels like a ton of bricks has hits me. Mostly I feel a sense of guilty, resentment, shamefulness, useless but most of all scared - scared of a relapse and living a normal life. My only hope now is to survive and to one day be truly happy and live life abundantly. Apart from that one line and knife situation - I have had several negative tests up to 3.5 months including a 9 week PCR since the last time I shared a note with someone or smoked weed. I don't know why I tell you this and I am a little paranod of this kind of information being out there on the internet, but f&*k it - it feels god to let it out. Anyways, thanks for all the help and God bless.        
Helpful - 0
2
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Hepatitis C Community

Top Hepatitis Answerers
317787 tn?1473358451
DC
683231 tn?1467323017
Auburn, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Answer a few simple questions about your Hep C treatment journey.

Those who qualify may receive up to $100 for their time.
Explore More In Our Hep C Learning Center
image description
Learn about this treatable virus.
image description
Getting tested for this viral infection.
image description
3 key steps to getting on treatment.
image description
4 steps to getting on therapy.
image description
What you need to know about Hep C drugs.
image description
How the drugs might affect you.
image description
These tips may up your chances of a cure.
Popular Resources
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.