Thank you for the response. I was hoping other's would also respond. I know you guys get sick of these questions. Could you indulge me and tell me if anyone knows of any confirmed HIV transmissions through non intact skin? Also wondering what effect the soap and water would have on HIV. Will either of them inactivate HIV? Thank you.
Air, ph and temp change all inactivates HIV let alone soap and water. Again you were never at risk.
They probably recommended PEP being overly conservative. There is just no way that the virus could have entered your blood stream, especially with an already healing cut. Even if your cut had been fresh, there wouldn't have been a risk. Read my journal entry titled "HIV : The Facts". Skin is an excellent barrier against disease, especially the HIV virus which is weak to begin with...when outside the body, it is rendered incapable of transmission quite quickly.
It doesn't hurt to go thru your dept's testing protocol, simply for your peace of mind...but you have nothing to worry about, and actually, you are running a higher risk of having serious problems as a result of the PEP...it is VERY toxic, with many side effects. MANY people cannot even tolerate it.
Follow up with the doc as per your dept exposure policy. You will be just fine.
Thank you both. Nursegirl; I have read your journal entry already and it has helped ease my mind. I think the worst part of an exposure it is not knowing.
Incidentally, I have not enjoyed the PEP at all. The side effects are definitely not fun and when my anxiety begins to get the best of me I start thinking that maybe the side effects are actually the onset of HIV.
Thank you again. Even though your comments have helped me I will still follow this forum. Best of luck to all.