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Avatar universal

HIV risk through a side-hug? (Possible needle stick but no bleeding)

The situation seems a lot more serious than it may sound.

Today I was waiting at the bus stop when a middle aged man starting talking to me. I wasn't interested in talking but he wasn't going away so to be polite I said "thank you" when he started complimenting me.

Unfortunately he got a bit too comfortable and gave me a very tight side hug. During the hug I felt a slight pain in my shoulder and move away. He then put his hands in his trouser pocket. This is when I started to feel worried. I was in too much shock to ask what was in his pocket.

I noticed that he also had very long nails. I am worried that he may have tried to prick me with a needle during the random "hug" without me realising. But on the other hand maybe it was his nails?

If he DID use a needle, what are the risks? I was wearing a dress and a coat. Would that be a good enough barrier to protect me?

My shoulder still aches a little but I've checked in the mirror and there was no bleeding or mark of any kind. It just hurts.

Any help please? Should I get tested? I recently got a routine blood test done and I am negative. So I am extremely worried about this possible risk now.

Thank you
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188761 tn?1584567620
COMMUNITY LEADER
A test would be a waste of your time and money. Hypothetically speaking, even if you were poked by a needle or a sharp object, there can be no risk associated for HIV transmission.  

This virus is fragile and it is rendered uninfectious no sooner than it is exposed to the environment.

Even for an occupational  hollow-bore needle injury, the odds of transmission is calculated at 0.2%, practically, it can be considered as no-risk situation.

You seem to be misinterpreting the information that you must have come across on the internet, those news are mainly due to someone being injected with infected body fluid intravenously, which offcourse, is not equivalent to being pricked with a needle.

I agree with my fellow posters, it is observed here on this forum, people who suspect such events usually suffer from anxiety disorder. It is advisable to see a therapist to seek help, we suggest that compassionately as we firmly believe that no one deserves to live in fear and worry of such things.

We wish you the best.
Helpful - 0
20620809 tn?1504362969
Yes, it does sound far fetched.  I'm not sure that 'these things happen' is really accurate.  Imagining these things happening is common for those who have anxiety leading to irrational fear.  We aren't here to say that like it is a put down.  I personally feel bad that you have anxiety to this level.  Anxiety is a treatable disorder as long as you recognize you need help with it.  

Your scenario is just not realistic.  

And the way people get HIV is from unprotected vaginal or anal sex or sharing IV drug needles.  A needle poke does not transmit HIV because the needle is exposed to air.  Injecting drugs is different than a poke.  

I really urge you to get help for the mental health aspect.  Fearing a hug, fearing needles, having catastrophic thinking from simple life's events is not something you should willingly do by not working with a health care professional to overcome it as best you can.  
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Thank you. I really appreciate your reply so much. I can tell that your aren't trying to put me down and genuinely feel that I would benefit from professional help.

You're right. I think I should seek help about my irrational phobia.

But I can't just can't help but think this man had sinister motives. Why should a side hug hurt so much? I've had many and they never cause noticeable shoulder pain.

It all happened so fast that maybe I'm catastrophising. I think I won't be 100% at peace with the situation until I take a test. But in the meantime I will seek therapy for support towards my thinking.

Thanks
Avatar universal
The only people who ask these types of questions about being poked with needles by random strangers are those who suffers from irrational health anxiety and HIV phobia.

People don't go around poking random strangers with needles in public places. It literally does not happen. You were not poked with a needle. Your irrational thoughts are lying to you and causing unnecessary ruminating about a non issue.

I strongly advise you to seek out a therapist with whom to address this issue. This is the only way you will be able to overcome your irrationally thinking.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Thanks for your reply.

In response, all I can say is while it sounds far fetched, these things can happen. There have been reports of such behaviour on the news.

People who are of a stable and mind wouldn't do something like that, but his overall behaviour  indicates that he was not stable at all.

If he didn't grab me by the shoulder I wouldn't have thought there was any risk.

I just want to know what the odds are if he did in fact use a sharp object on me?

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