Aa
Should I be worried about blood draw stick?
After getting happy results from a blood panel, I went back for a follow up to do a hepatitis panel. The nurse was different this time and in an attempt to draw my blood from my arm vein, it wasn’t quite working so I was poked a few times to try and find it before getting rid of that needle and trying successfully on the other arm.
The arm that was first attempted is currently bruised and hurts. I’m very susceptible to health anxiety and fears. Should I be worried at all about that first needle? Any reason to test over this? Or can I move on?
The arm that was first attempted is currently bruised and hurts. I’m very susceptible to health anxiety and fears. Should I be worried at all about that first needle? Any reason to test over this? Or can I move on?
The only risks for HIV are to have unprotected vaginal or anal sex or to SHARE iv needles to inject drugs. Needle sticks are not a risk for HIV. Air inactivates the virus and air is present at the end of a needle. No risk. But it is very clear you have anxiety. Likely impacting your over worry about Hep B as well. Please seek professional help for anxiety.
1 Comments
Thanks very much for the quick response, GuitarRox. I will learn from my past anxieties and forget about this/move on. I also plan on speaking with a therapist this week. Thank you and have a great day
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the HIV Prevention Community
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from surfaces, like toilet seats?
Can you get HIV from casual contact, like hugging?
Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.
