Can HIV be transmitted via a nitrous balloon?

[Vanessa1013]

Hi Doctor,

I attended a "rave" like party on 8/21/10. At this party, nitrous balloons were being passed around. I took several hits...And now I am wondering if there is any chance I can get HIV from sharing a balloon.

I took an oral HIV test at Planned Parenthood on 9/30/10. It was negative.

I tested for other STD's, negative too. Pap smear was normal.

I have not had unprotected sex in over 1.5 years. My fiance was a virgin, and we have never had unprotected sex.

I have read that HIV is not transmitted via saliva, but I'm wondering if there is any chance of infection if I shared a balloon with someone that perhaps had an open sore, etc. Am I paranoid or is this a valid concern?

I developed a sore throat that doesn't seem to go away. I've read that's a symptom of newly HIV infected persons.

I made myself quite sick for 11 days prior to testing. I didn't eat, sleep, suffered anxiety attacks, nightmares, etc. You would think that after I got my negative test results I would be relieved, on the contrary, I began questioning the accuracy of the oral rapid test. And now I find myself crying and feeling nervous all the time. Please help.

Best,
Vanessa

[Vanessa1013]

@ NickOne7...thank you again for confirming.

Best,
Vanessa

[reallyregret]

Hi Vanessa1013,

Hmmm, why are you concerned about my medical background?

Anyway,

- I was/am like you, worried and very anxious about a possible exposure. I am still trying to recover from it. I have to admit it is not easy.

- Had studied medical biology, so i know some stuffs, but not all, of course.


May God bless


reallyregret

[Vanessa1013]

@ really regret...i didn't mean to sound ungrateful for your help, but i was really hoping  a qualified doctor would provide an answer.

i, too, i'm horrified of possible exposure.

how certain are you that the balloon game is a NO RISK situation?

God Bless,
Vanessa

[reallyregret]

Hi Vanessa1013,

No worries, i was just curious.

If you are looking for a doctor, you can pay to have your questions answered.
That will be in the 'Experts' forum.
In this forum, you've got everyone else other than the doctors.

As for your exposure, my opinion is the same as NickOne7's, 100% sure that your balloon game is a no risk situation.

Zero risk.

Please rest assured.

Take care.


May God bless


reallyregret

[Vanessa1013]

thank you again for your patience. as you might already figured out, i am paranoid!

i posted my question on the "experts forum"...hopefully a doctor will confirm the balloon game as ZERO RISK situation.

again, muck thanks for the continuous communication.

God Bless,
Vanessa

[Vanessa1013]

Though you're a total stranger...You have my word: I will NEVER partake in balloon games ever again! I have way to much to lose. I hope others reading this thread realize that participating in idiotic party games can result in life long regrets. I'm a person of faith. Life is good! No need to complicate it...

By the way, this is the response I received from Dr. EWH:

Welcome to the HIV Forum. I agree with all of the comments made in response to your question at the HIV Community site. As mentioned, HIV does not survive well in the environment and is not transmitted in saliva or through aerosols.  Inhalation of the nitrous, while perhaps not the greatest thing for your health for other reasons, is not a means by which HIV is transmitted..  You have nothing to worry about.  Believe your test result, it serves to confirm that you did not get HIV.

Take care. EWH