Am I at risk? Can't seem to have peace of mind... Please HELP...

[scared_1214]

Hi, I have a friend that we suspect that has HIV. This particular friend of ours  had pedicures (this happened 7 days ago, prior to us thinking that this particular friend of ours is HIV infected). He was the first one to have his pedicure, then I followed immediately. After my friend's pedicure, we noticed that some of his toenails are bleeding. But I still had my pedicure (since this is prior to us having thoughts that he might be HIV infected). Then it also happened to me, at least 3 of my toenails had bleeding, the worst is my left big toenail that up to now (7 days had passed) is still swollen and had pus. I already went to a doctor to ask for prescription to alleviate the infection.

I am very scared right now but I read that it should be at least 6 months for me to get tested after any risky activity. We used the same nail clipper and nail pusher that's why I am very scared because both of us saw bleeding on our toe nails after we had our pedicure. and worst, the pedicurist didn't clean the nail tools that were used.

I've done several research in the internet for the past several days. and I learned that:

1. Several sites said that HIV dies outside the host or when exposed to air/oxygen.

2. So far, there's no single incident happened that HIV was transmitted thru this procedure.

3. That in order to be infected with HIV thru wound, the wound should be deep and an ample amount of blood should be present. Our wounds, however are just small and the bleeding is not that much, probably just a single drop or less.

4. I'm not sure if this help, but I saw the pedicurist put a lot of cuticle remover to my wound when she saw it bleed, she did the same to my friend.I search for the ingredients of it and found out that it contains SODIUM HYDROXIDE. Will it weaken the HIV virus that might be present on the nail pusher? Although I'm not sure if there's a fresh blood stain on the nail pusher when she did it, but I'm just assuming. it only took probably just 1 minute or two when I had my pedicure after my friend.

So my question is, just in case there's a blood on the pusher (since, I'm pretty sure the pedicurist didn't clean it and she even immediately used it to me), Am I at risk? Right now, my big toe is swollen and have pus, is this an indication of HIV infection or simply a bacterial infection? by the way, after I had my pedicure, I immediately cleansed my wounds it with Betadine solution and again there's not much bleeding. And can this be considered the same as to those who are working in the hospital being stuck with needle sticks/finger prick lancets?

sorry for my bad English. I'm from the Philippines.

Hoping for someone here to answer my question. I am very anxious now. Thanks.

[Jeff G]

Your english is excellent . You didnt have a risk . You will not become infected with HIV from anyone if you refrain from unprotected vaginal and anal sex and do not reuse IV drug injection equipment after an infected person . It really is that simple .

Here are the risk factors for HIV ...

Sharing IV drug needles immediately after use.
Unprotected anal and vaginal sex.
Mother to child during or shortly after birth
Very specific healthcare situations.

You are correct , no one has ever been infected with HIV in the manner you are concerned with and you will not be the first . Best of luck .

[scared_1214]

Thank you Jeff G for taking the time to read my post and for the immediate answer. Your reply is very concise and direct to the point.

I also ask my doctor today regarding this concern and she told me that she doesn't see any risk as well. But I still felt the need to post here to clear up my mind. I have nobody else to tell this. I can't even tell it to my sister because I know she will be very worried. So, again thank you Jeff G.

[Jeff G]

You are welcome . If you had a risk we would not hesitate to let you know so that you could get tested and possibly prevent other infections . You really can move on and put this fear to rest .