mercinyc:
Hello, I hope all is well. I just quickly wanted some feedback to dispel any worries I have. I recently received a blood draw where the nurse made me nervous because of the way they handled the needle. The nurse was holding the needle and their opposite hand had crossed the needle, millimetres from the tip. The nurse had gloves on, but if the nurse had accidentally pricked themselves and used that needle to withdraw my blood, would I be at any risk of contracting HIV, as it punctured my vein within seconds?
Jim Allen:
No, relax and move on with your life.
Here's what you need to know to reduce your HIV risks: Use condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse correctly and consistently, with no exceptions. Consider talking to your healthcare provider about PrEP as an additional layer of protection against HIV
Keep in mind that some sexual practices described as safe in terms of acquiring HIV still pose a risk for other easier-acquired STIs. So please do get tested at least yearly for STIs, including but not limited to HIV, and more frequently if condomless intercourse occurs.
Also, note that it is possible to have an STI and show no signs or symptoms; testing is the only way to know.
Kind regards
Jim
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mercinyc:
Hi, another worry I'm having now, I bumped very hard into a homeless man and his bag, when I bumped into him I felt a sharp pain in my leg. He was holding a very thin plastic bag, when I went home and checked I found a red dot on the spot where I collided with the man. I'm concerned that I came into contact with a syringe that he might have used. When I wiped the red dot there was a minuscule amount of blood on the tissue.
Am I at risk of HIV contraction, and should I test in one month?
Jim Allen:
--- Quote from: mercinyc on February 06, 2023, 01:56:37 pm ---Hi, another worry I'm having now, I bumped very hard into a homeless man and his bag, when I bumped into him I felt a sharp pain in my leg. He was holding a very thin plastic bag, when I went home and checked I found a red dot on the spot where I collided with the man. I'm concerned that I came into contact with a syringe that he might have used. When I wiped the red dot there was a minuscule amount of blood on the tissue.
Am I at risk of HIV contraction, and should I test in one month?
--- End quote ---
Zero HIV risk. Relax and move on with your life
mercinyc:
Thanks for the quick reply. Does this apply even if a worst-case scenario actually occurred, i.e. it was really a used syringe that poked me?