How Is HIV Transmitted?

Posted on Thu, 3 Jul 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 3 Jul 2014 Answered on

Mon, 21 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I was reading a skin tb test with my finger (i am a nurse and was reading it for a new employee) and noticed a scabbed area (where the tb shot was) that my finger quickly ran over while feeling for the lump. To my knowledge i did not see any blood. My finger has no visable cuts. Usually when i read tb tests i dont see a scab. Im pregnant this time and for some reason this is really bothering me. I dont feel comfortable asking the person if she has hiv! I have spoken with my doctor but dont feel any reassurance. I also have panic disorder. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No need to get worried!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about this incident and all the inconveniences this has caused you. I understand the fear associated with exposure to HIV and possible contamination. However, this is one of the least feasible ways through which this infection can be transmitted. Honestly, there is just no way you can get infected given all the information you have provided. If it were this easy to contract HIV, all health workers would have been victims. I cannot count how often I have had to accidentally come in contact with bodily fluids and blood of persons suffering with HIV.

In all, stay calm. Possible HIV infection from this is impossible. There is no point in getting worried about this.

I wish you a safe pregnancy and delivery. I wish you well and thanks for using our services. Do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.

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