HIV question -maybe a stupid one

The Last Autobot · Post by **The Last Autobot** » Fri May 18, 2007 11:05 pm

A couple of days ago a dear friend of mine (who is an acupunturist) told me that when she was taking off the needles from a patient (one whom she knows has HIV) she accidentally pricked her finger (but she didnt bleed).

She is not sure if when she took that needle her patient bleeded or not.

After that she washed her hands.

I wonder, is there a risk for her or Im thinking nonsense?

Thanks!

Professor Smooth · Post by **Professor Smooth** » Fri May 18, 2007 11:54 pm

The risk is VERY low. I suggest getting tested, though.

Post by **Kaylee** » Sat May 19, 2007 12:00 am

What smooth said.

Even with full fluid transfer, I believe the official stat is something at about 7% possibility of transmission too a fully healthy individual.

It is however just best to be on the safe side- they will probably advise a short period of time to pass then a quick blood test. If an abnormality is found, there is a good chance a quick doseage of the right drugs may neutralise the HIV before it takes hold (although results vary massively and it must be caught very early).

wideload · Post by **wideload** » Sat May 19, 2007 12:25 am

Testing wont help her. It takes at least 30 days for the virus to show up in testing once transmission has occured. What she should do is go to a doctor immediatly and discuss taking anti-retroviral drugs. These will preven HIV infection the majority of time in situations where enough of the virus has passed. There is a small window for her before it may be too late.

Although the odds of her getting infection are extremely low, the result would be pretty devastating.