Needle Question

[midspring13]

Hello,

I have suffered with anxiety for years.  I saw a counselor for some time and really got over my fears of many of the illnesses I worried about.  I finally decided go get a tattoo (something I thought I could never do).  I asked the woman who did it about using fresh ink and a clean needle and felt comfortable that everything was fine.  She did show me the drawer with new needles, but I regret not seeing her actually open a new one in front of me.  Afterward my anxiety came back strong.  I have read a ton about hiv transmission.  I know this is brought on my anxiety but I do have what I think are legitimate questions, due to reading so much conflicting information.  Thank you for your help.

1.  If by some off chance the tattoo needle was not changed would there be enough blood to transmit the virus to me?  (she did say she had done a tattoo before mine, so about 45 minutes had passed)

2.  I have read that the virus starts to become inactive when it hits the air, again, if there was blood on a tattoo needle is 45 minutes enough time for it to have dried and become inactive?

3.  I started feeling sick about 2 1/2 weeks after the tattoo.  It's mainly been a cough and stuffy nose, though I did have a headache off and on.  I have read conflicting information regarding ARS symptoms.  Are these ARS symptoms?

I understand that a lot of this stems from my anxiety.  However, after reading so much conflicting information I felt asking on what I consider a reliable board was the best bet to hopefully end my endless searching.

[Jim Allen]

It's not an HIV concern.

Move on with your life and stop reading up about it as it will only make you paranoid.
If you keep having these thoughts and finding yourself googling stuff consider speaking to a therapist to help you cope.

Here's what you need to know to avoid HIV infection:
Use condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, correctly and consistently, every time, no exceptions. Consider starting PrEP going forward as an additional layer of protection against HIV

Keep in mind that some sexual practices which may be described as safe in terms of HIV transmission might still pose a risk for transmission of other easier to transmit STI's, so please do get fully tested regularly and at least yearly for all STI's including but not limited to HIV and test more frequently if unprotected intercourse occurs

Also, note that it is possible to have an STI and show no signs or symptoms and the only way of knowing is by testing.

Kind regards

Jim

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[midspring13]

Thank you for the fast response.  I understand that much of this is brought on by my anxiety. 

I still don't understand why some sites have such conflicting information.  I know I'm asking about a what if situation in "what if the needle wasn't new". 

I was hoping you could help me understand if HIV could live on a tattoo needle long enough to infect (45 minutes).  That is the confusing information I am running into.  Some artcles say it can, others say that a tattoo needle isn't the right surface, etc.

Thank you for your time.

[Jim Allen]

"what if"

If I took the needle directly out of my vain and with one move instantly stabbed you with it there would be a low risk. However, that did not happen, this is the same reason why discarded needles is not a risk either, one of the biggest myths of all times. Anyhow back to what you fear about the tattoo, the situation you posted about there is no confirmed cases of HIV transmission, a lot of stories, of course, internet rubbish and CYA (Cover your ass) theoretical risk publications.

Not to be cruel, but you got a tattoo and are panicking. I hope it's a tattoo you like and it came out the way it was planned.

If you were fine you would not be reading online after something that you were okay with, and focusing or getting stuck on details that are rather irrelevant or hung-up on the "what if's " in the first place. Clearly, you are not coping and hence my first reply was so short as I don't plan to feed your fears or go down rabbit holes focusing on endless irrelevant details.

Move on with your life if you can, use condoms for sex and test like people should at least yearly out of routine.  If you can't speak to a therapist to get face to face support.



 

[midspring13]

Jim - Thank you.  I'll work on my anxiety.

Yes, I really love the tattoo, I've always wanted one, which is why getting over my fear in the first place was a huge win for me.  I'll let this fear go.

Enjoy your day and thanks again for putting things into perspective.

[Jim Allen]

Hiya,

 

Glad to hear that you are happy with the tattoo and, that you managed to take that huge step and overcome your fears. Congrats. 

Truly wishing you all the best.

Jim