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9624973 tn?1413016130

Stupid exposure question

I know this might sound stupid, but It still worries me. I went for an ECG at an A&E hospital in England and they shaved 4 small spots on my chest for the stickers. Now I'm only asking because I've seen some drug users waiting in queue. There's no way those are reused right? I have no idea what the risk exposure is, but just seeing some of the people there frightened me if catching something if they made a mistake.
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9624973 tn?1413016130
Guys, we are making this something that it's really not. It's a good insight of which I wasn't aware. It's not like I would knowingly use a toothbrush or razor after an infected person even if it doesn't transmit this way. I also mentioned I'm aware of my anxiety and dealing with it (please note that it's not an irrational one, it comes from past experiences and trauma). There's really no need for aggressiveness. It was a genuine question from someone who doesn't really deals with this stuff on a daily basis.
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I say this with kindness but want to be clear. "WE" are not making this into anything more. This group follows leading HIV experts and we gave you the risks. You are not accepting them. No one is being aggressive but instead, direct. We have a lot of members here that do suffer anxiety disorders and they won't accept the clear information we've given and want to continue to go back and forth about it. When what that actually does is keep the anxiety alive for that person. OUR answer will not change. And we answered it fully. A few times. And when we have many over the top fears, it IS time to not justify the anxiety but treat it. THAT can be the health disorder that by aggressively treating it, it could change your life. It probably feels terrible to have a cycle of anxiety over things that every other person who was at the hospital that day preparing for the same thing you were has forgotten about as inconsequential. So, your question was treated as genuine when you asked. When you followed up once. But by the third time basically ignoring what was being said, it's natural to see how anxiety is playing a role. Good luck to you
I don't disagree with the answers, most possibly it came out this way. I guess it happens when having a conversation behind a keyboard. Thank you
9624973 tn?1413016130
Just as an fyi (my only concern was the razor used). I do indeed have a lot of anxiety to deal with due to some very bad hospital experiences but I understand your point of view. Thank you for all your answers.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
No, ,people do NOT get HIV through razors. There is no scientific data to support this. We are guided by experts in the field and are not led by anxiety internet searching for answers. That you are stuck in this anxiety loop speaks much more to mental health than anything else. That you were given accurate answers but still question is a symptom of anxiety. Does this affect you in other areas of your life besides health? We've answered your question and that you are unable to accept it should be what worries you the most. Anxiety is harmful and needs to be addressed. It is not logical to assume that a hospital knowingly puts patients at risks over a razor blade. You had no risk and our continuing to go back and forth with you feeds your anxiety. Work on THAT. I promise, by overcoming anxiety, your life will be better.
20620809 tn?1504362969
It wouldn't even matter if they WERE reused. HIV is transmitted in very specific ways. The ONLY ways that people actually get HIV are to have unprotected vaginal or anal sex or share IV needles to INJECT drugs. Nothing about having the spots shaved for the stickers would lead to transmission of HIV. Air inactivates the virus. No worry, no risk.
Helpful - 0
4 Comments
I'm aware HIV can be transmitted through razors, toothbrushes etc. only in certain circumstances, there are studies that confirms these transmissions, just that are probably fewer and not the main way. I don't think one would use them lightly after an HIV infected person. Are you doctor? Thank you for taking the time to answer my question.
You need to get real. NO ONE gets HIV this way. And you're talking about stickers.

Get professional help for your phobias if that's what you're worried about.  If you want to concern yourself with a 1 in 10,000,000 chance of getting infected by the ONE disease that you're fixated on, you can do that, but you shouldn't expect anyone else to entertain that fantasy.
"I know this might sound stupid..." It definitely does sound stupid. See a therapist because it is ridiculous for you to be wasting your life in fear because you think you can get hiv from toothbrushes and stickers - if hiv was as infectious as you fear everyone would have it by now.
7 people in the US get plague every year. The last one died and the previous got it from his cat. This actually happens every year, yet you don't worry about plague or cats, so your priorities are mixed up. See a therapist instead of wasting more time fixating on YOUR disreality of acquiring hiv from a toothbrush.
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