HIV transmission through the eye

[nell248]

I'm really concerned b/c I am currently pregnant and wanted to know the risk of HIV transmission through this incident. I was at the store and than touched my eye and rubbed it and noticed some blood on my finger which wasn't mine. There was on the counter some blood that I accidentally touched. Now I am concerned b/c it doesn't look like it was dried blood and I don't know how recent that blood was on the counter whether it was an hour or less. What is my risk of HIV transmission and is PEP therapy needed for such a incident. really freaked out and worried here...Thanks for your help.

[Teak]

No you do not need to worry.

[nell248]

So Teak,
      I should not worry and there is no risk of transmission through this incident. I just don't want to delay in getting treatment or taking action for my baby's sake. Sorry for the worrying and constant questions. I appreciate it..

[Teak]

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.

[RainLover71]

Thats with a known hiv infected person,with your situation it doesn,t warrant nPEP or testing because of the reasons i have already explained to you.If i was indeed infected blood that you touched the virus in the blood would have become inactive and unable to infect you.At no time were you ever at risk of hiv transmission.

[nell248]

But why is it that I read online of people taking antivirals and PEP therapy after a blood splash to the eye? If there is no risk of transmission?

[RainLover71]

Zero risk of hiv transmission even if it was infected blood because the hiv virus is unable to reproduce outside its living host,it becomes inactive once exposed to air and thus is unable to infect you.Your safe.You can stop worrying now and focus on your pregnancy.