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Can HIV Be Contracted Through Contact With Blood On Skin?
Posted on
Sat, 19 Sep 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 19 Sep 2015
Answered on
Mon, 12 Oct 2015
Last reviewed on
Question : Hi
Around 2 - 3 weeks ago I was handed a insulin pen from a patient who was feeling faint. I did not have ppe on as we don't normally do anything for this patient except dial the pen up. As he handed me the pen to remove the needle, via the sharps box I noticed I had fresh blood on my index finger and Palm of my hand. I used alcohol gel approx 5 minutes after and washed my hands with soap and water around 10 minutes later. I wasn't worrying at first, and I don't think I had any open cuts, however my mind is running wild at the moment. The reason I'm worried is because I have had a mild sore throat for the last 4-5 days. I haven't had any fever, however have had feelings of hot flushes. Temp has been within normal parameters every time u have checked. I have also had nausea on and off. Please help, as I'm extremely worried and scared to go get tested.
Around 2 - 3 weeks ago I was handed a insulin pen from a patient who was feeling faint. I did not have ppe on as we don't normally do anything for this patient except dial the pen up. As he handed me the pen to remove the needle, via the sharps box I noticed I had fresh blood on my index finger and Palm of my hand. I used alcohol gel approx 5 minutes after and washed my hands with soap and water around 10 minutes later. I wasn't worrying at first, and I don't think I had any open cuts, however my mind is running wild at the moment. The reason I'm worried is because I have had a mild sore throat for the last 4-5 days. I haven't had any fever, however have had feelings of hot flushes. Temp has been within normal parameters every time u have checked. I have also had nausea on and off. Please help, as I'm extremely worried and scared to go get tested.
Brief Answer:
Please, there is nothing to be worried about!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about what happened. There is just no possibility of contracting an infection such as HIV from this circumstance. I understand the fear but f it were this easy to get infected, all health practitioners would have. Also, your symptoms are not typical of seroconversions and do nots strongly suggest an acute HIV infection. BE calm and relaxed and all will settle sooner than later. To me, there is really no need to get tested per the guidelines on accidental exposure to bodily fluids, however, Iw ill say do so for the sake of having a peace of mind with objective results in hand.
I hope this helps. I Wish you well. Feel fee to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
Please, there is nothing to be worried about!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about what happened. There is just no possibility of contracting an infection such as HIV from this circumstance. I understand the fear but f it were this easy to get infected, all health practitioners would have. Also, your symptoms are not typical of seroconversions and do nots strongly suggest an acute HIV infection. BE calm and relaxed and all will settle sooner than later. To me, there is really no need to get tested per the guidelines on accidental exposure to bodily fluids, however, Iw ill say do so for the sake of having a peace of mind with objective results in hand.
I hope this helps. I Wish you well. Feel fee to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you. Guess im just a bit worried, as ive had certain symptoms recently. Sore throat, nausea on and off, also had headache. Guess my Mind running wild.
Brief Answer:
Be calm and relaxed!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Be calm and relaxed. I understand this feeling but it doesn’t help. To me, all is going to be well. Keep me updated!
Until next, I wish you well.
Be calm and relaxed!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Be calm and relaxed. I understand this feeling but it doesn’t help. To me, all is going to be well. Keep me updated!
Until next, I wish you well.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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