Suggest Treatment For Sore Throat And Infection

Posted on Thu, 6 Apr 2017

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

Thu, 6 Apr 2017 Answered on

Thu, 27 Apr 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I am a laboratory worker in Biochemistry department. I always wear googles and gloves as I get paranoid about getting infected. However 14 days ago while at work, I loaded a few blood samples onto the analysers without wearing gloves. The samples were span first and then uncapped to be tested on themachines. At some point when I was about to go for my break, as I was washing my hands in the sink, I realised I had paper cut in one of my fingers, I squeezed it and a bit of blood came out. I washed it thoroughly and since that day I have been worried. Today I have sore throat and I panicked a lot. Do you think that I got infected and need to be tested for HIV?
Please advice me.

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Nothing to worry, chances of infection are very less.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank You for trusting HealthcareMagic

According to Center for Disease control, the transmission rate for HIV through a skin cut is only 0.3%.
The blood you were exposed to should be contaminated and there should have been a definite possibility of blood coming in contact with your paper cut to actually get infected.
You do not have to worry at this point, as the possibility of you having contracted the infection is very very less.
However, to be safe, please be advised to consult a Physician to get HIV, Hepatitis B and C testing done.
As you mentioned before, please continue safe practices at the work place to prevent such exposure

Hope I was able to help you
Please address further concerns/questions
Regards,
Dr.Lekshmi

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D