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Can HIV Or Hepatitis Be Transmitted Through A Hand Shake?

Posted on Mon, 15 Sep 2014

Question: I shook hands with a mechanic his hand is full of blister and some of them is broken and wounded I did not realize this until I shook his hand after then I look at my hands in the bathroom I noticed it has a lot of cuts and scratches from working on the yard just today am I at risk for any disease blood-borne light hepatitis or HIV I wash my hands immediately with dish soap and I'm very nervous I should have look at his hand before I shook his hand please advice

Answered by Dr. Sudhir (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Risk is extremely minimal with such interaction.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Risk is extremely minimal in such cases.Cleaning hands further reduces the risk.

Best way to relieve your worry would be to check health status of mechanic and if possible convince him to get tested.

Otherwise wait and watch would be the approach, as immediate testing wont show results.But anyways there are extremely less chances of getting infections,with such exposure.

This situation is not worrisome, but just raises concern.

Please ask if there are doubts.Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir (22 hours later)

So the chances of infection is there and you recomended testing i will never see him again so he cant be tested but you recogmend me to test is that correct

Answered by Dr. Sudhir (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I am suggesting tests to rule out possibility.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Since technically transmission is possible you can get tested to be sure.Also this will relieve your anxiety and worry.

Please ask if there are doubts.Regards.

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar