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Barbershop risk ?
Hey everyone, let me start by admitting that I've been dealing with extreme paranoia lately. Maybe it's time I consult a psychiatrist. Even though my story will sound a little silly, please hear me out. I went to get a haircut last Monday on October 15. The two persons who usually cut my hair weren't there so I settled for this stanger. It was my first time seeing him. He must have been new or a part-timer. When I first entered the shop, he was trimming his moutstache/beard with the clipper. I would say about 2 to 3 minutes passed between the time I saw him do that and when I decided that he gives me a haircut. Anyway, as he was about to start cutting my hair, I noticed he didn't spray the blade with a disinfectant so I stopped him before he could anything. And told him "can you spray that first ? ". He said yes and sprayed it. After reducing my hair, it was time for him to work on my edges with a razor blade. I noticed that he had a used blade in his hand and again stopped him before it touched me. I said "look man, I'm not comfortable with you using a used blade on me". He said as long as he sprayed it with a disinfectant, it was no big deal. But out of respect, he asked his colleague for a brand new razor blade and that's the one he ended up using on me. So the dude was negligent. Not to mention that he gave me a lame haircut. I'm definitely not getting another haircut from him.
So he didn't wound himself from trimming his moustache/beard, and didn't wound me neither. No blood whatsoever. And of course, he sprayed the clipper blade with a disinfectant; hopefully killing any germs that might have been on it. After doing some research in the last 3 days about HIV risks in barbershop, most sources say that they're non-existent. In other words, you can't get infected from a clipper blade. Unless it is covered with fresh infected blood and comes in contact with your fresh blood (assuming you have an open wound on your face/head or somewhere else). Because if barbershops were a place where people could easily get infected, the amount of people living with HIV would be signifantly greater than it is right now. Apparently no one has ever gotten HIV from a barbershop. I have moved a lot over the last 8 years and wherever I go, I visit barbershops no less than twice a month. But I had never worried about this until now and it's clearly starting to disturb me. I love getting haircuts and I don't want to be scared out of my mind everytime I visit a barbershop. So I am here for confirmation. Am I worrying too much ?
And sorry for the essay. I really want to put my mind at ease. Thanks.
So he didn't wound himself from trimming his moustache/beard, and didn't wound me neither. No blood whatsoever. And of course, he sprayed the clipper blade with a disinfectant; hopefully killing any germs that might have been on it. After doing some research in the last 3 days about HIV risks in barbershop, most sources say that they're non-existent. In other words, you can't get infected from a clipper blade. Unless it is covered with fresh infected blood and comes in contact with your fresh blood (assuming you have an open wound on your face/head or somewhere else). Because if barbershops were a place where people could easily get infected, the amount of people living with HIV would be signifantly greater than it is right now. Apparently no one has ever gotten HIV from a barbershop. I have moved a lot over the last 8 years and wherever I go, I visit barbershops no less than twice a month. But I had never worried about this until now and it's clearly starting to disturb me. I love getting haircuts and I don't want to be scared out of my mind everytime I visit a barbershop. So I am here for confirmation. Am I worrying too much ?
And sorry for the essay. I really want to put my mind at ease. Thanks.
You're 26 years old and I'm guessing above average in intelligence, so while I have no idea why this sudden phobia hit you, you may be able to "fix" this yourself.
I still think therapy is the best option, but you may find a great deal of relief simply by getting yourself educated about HIV. I really believe if you understood how difficult it actually is to aquire the virus, you could live a worry free life.
There is so much really good and accurate information out there about HIV/AIDS, there is no excuse for anybody to remain ignorant (which does NOT mean stupid) about this highly misunderstood and feared virus.
I think you should begin by going to the HIV Prevention Forum here and just reading. Serious. Just read. Teak, Lizzie Lou, Joggen and many others (but those three especially) are EXPERTS. Read Teaks profile. That is a must. You will then understand you are learning from the best.
There are three ways to contract HIV.
Do you want me to repeat that?
THREE WAYS..................
They are:
1) UNPROTECTED INSERTIVE ANAL/VAGINAL SEX WITH AN HIV+
PARTNER
2) SHARING DRUG WORKS (NEEDLES) WITH AN HIV+ PERSON
3) AN HIV+ WOMAN TO HER UNBORN CHILD
Do you see anything about barbershops in there?
Guess why not!
Get educated. There is nothing to fear but fear itself. Your fear of HIV is like that bug stuck in the amber of time. MOVE ON!
I wish you PEACE
Greenlydia
I still think therapy is the best option, but you may find a great deal of relief simply by getting yourself educated about HIV. I really believe if you understood how difficult it actually is to aquire the virus, you could live a worry free life.
There is so much really good and accurate information out there about HIV/AIDS, there is no excuse for anybody to remain ignorant (which does NOT mean stupid) about this highly misunderstood and feared virus.
I think you should begin by going to the HIV Prevention Forum here and just reading. Serious. Just read. Teak, Lizzie Lou, Joggen and many others (but those three especially) are EXPERTS. Read Teaks profile. That is a must. You will then understand you are learning from the best.
There are three ways to contract HIV.
Do you want me to repeat that?
THREE WAYS..................
They are:
1) UNPROTECTED INSERTIVE ANAL/VAGINAL SEX WITH AN HIV+
PARTNER
2) SHARING DRUG WORKS (NEEDLES) WITH AN HIV+ PERSON
3) AN HIV+ WOMAN TO HER UNBORN CHILD
Do you see anything about barbershops in there?
Guess why not!
Get educated. There is nothing to fear but fear itself. Your fear of HIV is like that bug stuck in the amber of time. MOVE ON!
I wish you PEACE
Greenlydia
You're right. If the paranoia continues, I will consult a therapist. It's a mental issue and I'm going to have to fight it. I'm already feeling better about the whole situation. Thank you.
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Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from surfaces, like toilet seats?
Can you get HIV from casual contact, like hugging?
Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.
Here is your confirmation. Yes, you ARE worrying too much.
What suddenly made you paranoid about barbershops? Or is it just this particular barber whom you saw as negligent? (As well as giving a lousy cut.)
Well, whatever the reasons, since this is clearly starting to "disturb you" and you don't want to be "scared out of your mind" everytime you visit a barbershop..........I'd suggest therapy to get to the root cause of this sudden phobia, especially since you seen to move frequently and must need to break in new barbers fairly regularly.
Peace
Greenlydia