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What Are The Chances Of Acquiring HIV After Skin Contact With Infected Blood?
Posted on
Wed, 20 Apr 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 20 Apr 2016
Answered on
Fri, 10 Jun 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : Hello,
My father has hiv and has been undetectable for 8 years now (takes atripla). The other day he didn't know his finger was bleeding and the blood was dripping onto a grocery bag that was next to my arm. I accidentally touched the bag and got some of his blood on my arm but I didn't have any cuts or open wounds maybe a tiny scratch. I immediately washed my hands and arm. Now I know that hiv can't be live long outside its host. Was there any chance that I might have been exposed? I am have severe anxiety and just recently I developed burning in my feet and hands. Is this a symptom? Please help me. I feel distressed. I am going to test tomorrow
My father has hiv and has been undetectable for 8 years now (takes atripla). The other day he didn't know his finger was bleeding and the blood was dripping onto a grocery bag that was next to my arm. I accidentally touched the bag and got some of his blood on my arm but I didn't have any cuts or open wounds maybe a tiny scratch. I immediately washed my hands and arm. Now I know that hiv can't be live long outside its host. Was there any chance that I might have been exposed? I am have severe anxiety and just recently I developed burning in my feet and hands. Is this a symptom? Please help me. I feel distressed. I am going to test tomorrow
Brief Answer:
HIV transmission risk is negligible for you in this way.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.
Thanks for posting your query.
Your father's viral load remains undetectable. It quite unlikely for a person with undetectable viral load to transmit HIV infection. Moreover as you rightly pointed out HIV can not live outside the body not more than few seconds. Transmission risk through casual contact while handling the grocery bag is negligible. Not to worry.
Testing for HIV at optimum time is quite reliable. Ask the guidance of a physician before get tested for HIV that which test is preferable and what is the right time to get tested. All the best.
Dr S.Murugan
HIV transmission risk is negligible for you in this way.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.
Thanks for posting your query.
Your father's viral load remains undetectable. It quite unlikely for a person with undetectable viral load to transmit HIV infection. Moreover as you rightly pointed out HIV can not live outside the body not more than few seconds. Transmission risk through casual contact while handling the grocery bag is negligible. Not to worry.
Testing for HIV at optimum time is quite reliable. Ask the guidance of a physician before get tested for HIV that which test is preferable and what is the right time to get tested. All the best.
Dr S.Murugan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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