Intravenous drug use and being tested?

[MedAmateur21]

So I basically made an account on this site because of a past experience I had. I had the crazy idea that, while at a rave in Washington d.c, somebody stabbed me with a needle in my back. I felt a cold sensation but thought nothing of it. 2/3 days later, I developed a real bad flu that consisted of one night of night sweats and about a week of simple flu like symptoms. I eventually found out that I experienced symptoms of ARS... Long story short, I waited a little over 4 months to get tested, and it came back negative. I was obviously very relieved. My question is: Was my 4 month negative result conclusive? I'm not as worried as I used to be, but I'm still horrified to even get tested again. I have no idea what kind of test was done, but my university doctor did say that I was fine and shouldn't worry about it. My second question is: If I contracted herpes (because I did hookup/make out with a female who most likely got with other guys before me), are there similar symptoms to ARS? And lastly, do tests differentiate depending on how one would contract hiv? (I believe I could have contracted it by an unclean needle; whereas, somebody may contract it from sex).

[Jeff G]

The average time to seroconversion is 22 days. Most who are infected will test positive by 6 weeks. For various reasons a small number will take longer and that is why we follow the CDC recommendation to test at 3 months for a conclusive negative result.

You are HIV negative and can put this behind you now , your test was conclusive .

For the life of me I cant figure out why some people think that HIV positive people are out there injecting people with tainted blood . If these paranoid fears of yours persist I would recommend some mental health counseling .

[MedAmateur21]

Well to be fair, just the other week in NYC, a man was going around asking to use people's cellphones and if they said no, he took out a needle that was apparently contagious and stabbed them in the neck (yes, he was arrested)..... But these questions I have asked are also just for my better understanding of HIV. Jeff, I've seen you respond to people that intravenous drug use does make it possible for somebody to test negative before 6 months... Now, is that because whatever drugs are being injected weaken the immune system? I doubt I have contracted it and I do understand that my fears are uncalled for, but can you answer that question for me, because it's also based off curiosity. Also, if you don't mind, is it possible to experience ARS symptoms within days of contraction? Thanks for your quick reply. It's seriously appreciated.

[Jeff G]

When we refer to an interventions drug user we do not mean someone who got stuck or shoots up now and then . You would have to be a hard core long term addict to experience late seroconversion .

Your test at 4 months is conclusive . You do not have HIV . If you are sick go see a doctor , its not HIV .

[MedAmateur21]

Thanks for the reassurance, Jeff. And again, thanks for the speedy responses. I'd still like to know if you can experience symptoms similar to ARS through contracting herpes. I know that question isn't your area of expertise (or maybe it is, I don't know).... just curious though. Thanks again.

[Jeff G]

Thanks for the reassurance, Jeff. And again, thanks for the speedy responses. I'd still like to know if you can experience symptoms similar to ARS through contracting herpes. I know that question isn't your area of expertise (or maybe it is, I don't know).... just curious though. Thanks again.

We never discuss symptoms because they are not specific to HIV or ARS , the only way to know your status is to test and you did that , it was negative . I'm not well versed on herpes but my advice stands , stop guessing what's causing your symptoms and see your doctor if you are sick .