I read flu and early hiv symptoms are similar.i had a cold/flu about 2 weeks after sharing a cigarette with a gay man.how can you tell the difference?

Early HIV symptoms: You can't tell difference between influenza (flu) & early HIV symptoms so prevention is best bet. With that said, you can't get HIV by sharing a cigarette so don't sweat it. On the other hand, if you've engaged in other practices (such as unprotected sex) that increase your risk for HIV & other stds, go see your family doc (or planned parenthood or county std clinic) for testing.

Don't worry: You cannot get the HIV virus from sharing a cigarette. That said, it's always a good idea to get tested if you have ever had sex or used IV drugs. Get tested again in 6 months to be sure.