finger cut at Infectious Diseases Clinic

[worriedwell1980]

Hi.

Last week, I had been to the local Infectious Diseases specialist for a consultation...more for a reassurance that sharing a hookah pipe with chapped/cracked lips would not lead to HIV/HepB/HepC.

The doctor explained to me why it wasnt possible. However as I left the clinic and went to the bathroom to wash my hands...I felt a slight stinging sensation from a small cut on my finger. The cut looked like a paper cut, it wasnt bleeding but was fresh as I had washed my hands just before visiting the Doctor and had felt no burning/stinging on my hands. So Im assuming that I cut my finger somewhere in the doctor's clinic.

My concern is that if someone else had also cut themselves just before I cut my finger and that if there was any blood/body fluid on the surface that cut me...would it lead to infection?.

I accept that I am pretty anxious to begin with...but this clinic is frequented by HIV, Hep and TB patients and this is why I am concerned.

Please disregard my anxiety and give me a fair risk assessment and tell me whether I need to test or not

PS: I have no idea where I cut myself. Could be the plastic chair or the door knob or the doctor's note (he referred me to a counselor for my anxiety issues)

Regards

  

[Vance2335]

I think it would be best for you to seek a therapist.

You had no HIV risk.

[nursegirl6572]

I concur with Vance.  Your anxiety about HIV is inappropriate and your ideas about what constitutes an HIV risk are very overinflated.  

Please seek the help of a mental health professional to help you deal with your HIV related anxiety.

[worriedwell1980]

Hi,
thanks for the prompt reply...can you explain why it was a no risk event...and also what about hep

[worriedwell1980]

Thanks...I have an appointment with a psychiatrist - counselor team later this week...Im sorry to have bothered you..but if you could explain why it wasnt a risk.. I would truly appreciate

[nursegirl6572]

As you've read and been told here countless times, HIV cannot be transmitted from environmental surfaces.  Unless you've had unprotected vaginal or anal sex, or have shared IV drugs/drug works, you will never have an HIV concern.  It's really that simple.  Your anxiety is causing you to "what if", which keeps you stuck in that cycle of anxious thinking.

If HIV was able to be transmitted from toilet seats, bathroom fixtures, drinking glasses, utensils, etc..the entire world would be infected.

[worriedwell1980]

Thank you very much

[worriedwell1980]

Its been 11 days since the finger cut incident and ive had a throbbing headache for the last 2 days. I have read that its an ARS symptom.

I understand that many things lead to a headache...but I almost never get headaches..should I be worried?

[nursegirl6572]

Stress and anxiety cause headaches.

Again, you didn't have an HIV concern, please move along.

[worriedwell1980]

Thanks

[worriedwell1980]

HI, I was wondering...if I had been poked by a needle in the clinic..would I feel it?

I mean is it possible to be scratched by a needle without feeling any pain during the event?

Sorry for bothering you again but pls do answer.

Regards

[Teak]

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[worriedwell1980]

its day 21 and I have loose motions

[Teak]

Nothing to do with HIV.

[worriedwell1980]

I read it was an ARS symptom...thanks anyways

[worriedwell1980]

Teak...even if I got a superficial poke from a bloody needle (I never saw any needle...but lets assume for a moment)

would it be a risky event?

PLS answer

[Teak]

* Anyone who continues to post excessively, questioning a conclusively negative result or no-risk situation, will be subject to action by MedHelp. Conclusively negative results or a no-risk situation will be based upon the criteria established by MedHelp’s doctors. Action will be taken as follows:
    * After excessive posting, a warning will be issued by MedHelp
    * Continuing to post regarding the negative result / no risk situation will result in a 3 day suspension
    * Continuing to post upon your return will result in a permanent ban.