Deep Tissue Wound - HIV?

[nervousandanxious2014]

I was putting my subway card away in my wallet when it slipped underneath my nail and pushed the skin back away from the nail a bit. It did not bleed, but I'm worried that after having scanned the card that it picked up HIV and that it could transmit. Is this considered a deep tissue wound and a risk?

[nursegirl6572]

Here's a reply you got from the doctor.  I suggest you read it, then reread it again.  Your problem is irrational, paranoid obsessive thinking, not HIV:

"Final answer. Your fears of "microtears", chapped hands,and paper cuts are repetitive and have been answered before- HIV is NOT transmitted by contact with inanmate objects.  In adults HIV, is transmitted ONLY by unprotected direct sxual contact with an inected person or injection of infected material deep into tissue (surace contamination is not a concnern). This series of questions is illogical and indicates that you have inappropriate fears of HIV.   You need to stop worrying. If you cannot, you need to seek the help of a qualified therapist to help you deal with your inappropriate fears."

[nervousandanxious2014]

Could you just quickly clarify my misunderstanding? (I don't mean to over-post, I'm just a little confused and would like to prevent any more anxiety and repeat posts).

How does this differ from "sharing works"? Because although I did not bleed, the skin was separated between my nail and finger...

[Teak]

You never had an exposure.

HIV is unable to reproduce outside its living host (unlike many bacteria or fungi, which may do so under suitable conditions), except under laboratory conditions; therefore, it does not spread or maintain infectiousness outside its host.

HIV is transmitted by;
Unprotected penetrative anal and/or vaginal sex
Sharing works with other IV drug users
Mother to child