[Question #10544] Worry of Hiv

22 months ago

I,ve contamination OCD and fear of getting HIV. I did not have any sexual contacts and few tests done in previous months came negative for all sti’s.

I would like to know about expertise scientific opinion on the following scenario.

I had a haircut and Only the electrical clippers were used for the haircut . No shaving was done so no use of blades.

While having the haircut I had small nick near my ear from the electric trimmer as my skin is so sensitive ( no blood was noticed just a tiny pain) . After the hair cut they washed my hair. When I touch and press the spot I had a burning feeling for couple of days. but I did not notice any blood.

1.What is the risk of I am getting hiv from this incident?

2.What if there were small amount of blood on the trimmer from the previous person?

3.After 3 weeks I am having a upper back pain and this make me worry? May be this is due to hours of sitting at work? Can this be caused by acute hiv?

4. I have a history of oral issues (sensitive teeth and gums). I am currently experiencing increased sensitivity in my teeth and gums ( there are no sores/ulcers or while patches). Can this be related hiv?

5. Do I need to get tested or worry.

I don’t have any fever/ swollen lymph nodes or lower back pain.

When I asked my barber, told me that they spray and clean their tools after each use and wash their hands frequently. This is a good place and they even wear masks while cutting the hair. I know they have licence too s it is a requirement in north America.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

22 months ago

Welcome to our forum. Thank you for your question. The tone of your question suggests that you appreciate that these questions arise more out of your OCD than any true risk for HIV or other infections. No one has ever been infected with HIV, hepatitis, or other blood-borne infections, through, nicks, scrapes, or shaving received in barbershops. Thus, in response to your specific questions:

1. See above, this was a no risk event.

2. Still no risk ( this is one of those “ what if….” questions resulting from your OCD. . As I mentioned above, no one has ever acquired HIV in the manner you suggest.

3. These are not symptoms of recently acquired HIV. Certainly sitting in a chair for long periods of time or anxiety could be contributors.

4. No, see above

5. There is certainly no reason to worry, and no reason whatsoever to test.

I hope the information I have provided will be helpful and let you move on without continuing concern. EWH.

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22 months ago

Thank you !

So that means I do not need to worry and can move forward with my life right?

So I dont have to worry about upper back pain as a symptom of acute hiv?

How should I prevent getting infected by HIV? What is your advice?

Does hiv virus die when it expose to air and what is the expert opinion?

Every nick or cut even in environment make me really worry about contracting hiv and my mind urge me to confirm my hiv status by testing. I am trying therapy too. what is the expert opinion on true risk and no risk events and when should we get tested?

I red in the forum that cuts in the environment are no risk events. But some may have theoretical risks. What does that mean. Does that mean we do not get hiv from those incidents even there is a theoretical risk.

These are the final questions I have.

Thanks for your service!

Edward W. Hook M.D.

22 months ago

These are repetitive questions- brief answers

So that means I do not need to worry and can move forward with my life right?

Correct

So I dont have to worry about upper back pain as a symptom of acute hiv?

Correct

How should I prevent getting infected by HIV? What is your advice?

Practice safe sex with new or unknown partners, don't inject drugs. HIV is not acquired in normal day-to-day activities

Does hiv virus die when it expose to air and what is the expert opinion?

It become non-infectious on exposure to the environment

See earlier comments. Every nick, cut and scrape does not put you at risk for HIV

Such events are theoretical in the same sense that you could be struck by a meteorite falling from space today.

I urge you to address your OCD. You should not need to return to this forum with further questions about the concerns you mention. EWH

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