One of my friends overtime became a drug addict. When shooting heroin one time he said he borrowed the needle from a drug dealer, who meant to give him another one. The one he used was used before by someone who had hepatitis b and aids. he is afraid to go see a doctor because he hasn't told his parents yet. Is there any chance he may not have aids? I am really scared about this and am not joking. It has been two weeks since this happened. If he doesn't tell his parents soon, should I tell them?
2007-11-06 16:30:46 · 10 answers · asked by bud 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
He definitely needs to be tested for both diseases, although you can't be certain you don't have HIV until you've had a second test 6 months out. If he does not test positive for Hepatitis B, and is in the habit of using IV drugs, he needs to get vaccinated ASAP. He should be tested for HIV viral load as well asap so that he can be started on HIV drugs, since the earlier you start treating it, the better.
It's not a guarantee that you will get aids, even if you share dirty needles, although that's one of the more effective ways of getting it. It's just like using condoms--you won't neccessarily get pregnant every time you don't use one, but odds are good it's gonna happen sooner or later. Health care providers sometimes get dirty needle sticks, but not all of them get HIV. He should definitely use clean needles though from now on!
If your friend is addicted to drugs, you should probably tell his parents regardless of whether he has HIV or not.
2007-11-06 16:38:50 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course you can get HIV (getting AIDS takes a long time to develop after getting HIV).
Your friend has a chance he has contracted HIV or Hep B through the sharing of needles with an infected person.
If he has done this just the one time the risks are low, but still present.
You should encourage your friend to tell his parents. The benefits of his parents knowing is that then he doesn't have to sneak around them. He should go to a doctor and get tested. There are some treatments that can be given for each of these viral conditions and some benefit has been shown if they are commenced early.
If his tests come back negative he should be aware of the window period and go for a re-test.
If he is clear, surely he would feel much better!
2007-11-07 00:35:20 · answer #2 · answered by Orinoco 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Using a needle that was used by a person infected by Aids WILL in turn infect the next person to be as rash or unknowingly to use the same needle of the aids infected person. Don't use any used needles. If you're going to commit suicide ,try shooting yourself or maybe O D on morphine .......it will much more plesant and efficient........no long-drawn out hideous AGONY. Some cities have programs which provide sterile needles in a battle to keep Aids from spreading.....Switzerland is one country that does this . if he doesn't tell his parents you should ......the earlier testing is done and need be the treatment is started this person will stand a chance to keep under control . good luck
2007-11-07 02:08:37 · answer #3 · answered by nancy smith duncan erie pa 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There is a SLIGHT chance that he won't develop AIDS..but the odds are certainly stacked against him. The same goes for the Hepatitis. Your friend should definitely go to doctor and get tested for both. If he comes out POSITIVE for either, he'll need to be treated a.s.a.p before things progress too quickly. There aren't any cures for either of these diseases, but there are treatments that can slow them down. I don't mean to be pessimistic, but your friend is staring down the barrel of a loaded gun here...and both of these diseases are fatal. If your friend comes up positive for AIDS (not sure about Hep) his paren'ts will be notified if he's under 18. If he's over 18..it'd be up to him to share the diagnosis with them or not. Either way, its not your place to do the telling.
2007-11-07 01:03:12 · answer #4 · answered by :-) 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would depend on how long before he used it that hte other person used it. AIDS virus does not last long outside of the body. Hepatitis, unfortunately, can remain active for much longer so it would depend on if the needle was old and "dry" or still "wet." It may not be your place to tell his parents but if you find that he is engaging in sexual or inappropraite behaviors it would be who of you to save a life.
2007-11-07 00:43:34 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
He has a chance of contracting the virus. Yes, he could not get it. What he did is one of the best ways to get it, and he should still get tested. Twice this year! The chances are in his favor that he will not contract HIV, but he needs to be tested. His parents do not need to know. and if you look on-line you can find a free clinic in your area.
oh and he has a much higher chance of getting Hep B which is much more contagious than HIV. Hep B can be spread by shairing razors for shaving.
2007-11-07 00:37:40 · answer #6 · answered by Ryan F 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the only way aids is transmitted is through blood, so if this guy that he borrowed the needle from had aids, then im 99% sure your friend has aids too. You should tell someone immediately.
2007-11-07 00:40:12 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I've read studies that there's a much greater risk for Hep B infection from a contaminated needle than HIV.
2007-11-07 00:44:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
absolutely. How can it be wrong to want to save your friends life? If it turns out he doesnt have AIDS, maybe his parents can get him drug treatment. Its a win win situation, although he may not want you around. If he's a true friend, he'll understand sooner or later.
2007-11-07 00:35:43 · answer #9 · answered by primalclaws1974 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, what's better a secretly dying friend or a friend being treated with medicine? He's going to be found out if he's sick, so check at a clinic PLEASE and if he isn't sick YOU ARE LUCKY. It's lose lose if he hides it.
2007-11-07 01:49:36 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋