[Question #11569] HIV or Hepatitis Risk from Contact

13 months ago

There were two scenarios:

1) I gave someone an elbow (like a fist bump) and my elbow touched their elbow - my elbow had what looked like a small scratch on it (I didn't notice any blood on my scratch, but I washed my hands and elbows afterward so I'm not sure) and I noticed their elbow was red - it seemed like a scratch or a scrape or a scab or something but I'm not sure if there was any blood on their elbow (possibly). Their skin was cold/clammy/moist but they were doing exercises.

2) Someone had a scratch on their arm that was bleeding. They had touched their arm with their hand (I'm not sure if it was the part of their arm with the bloody scratch). Moments later, they touched my arm with their hand that may have touched their bloody scratch. I don't think my arm had any broken skin, but I'm not sure.

Is there any risk of contracting HIV or Hepatitis from either of these 2 scenarios?

13 months ago

I would imagine such brief encounters, regardless of possible blood, would not result in possible transmission of HIV or Hepatitis, correct?

13 months ago

Furthermore: These two people are in an outpatient healthcare facility and in their medical histories taken approximately one month ago, they both denied having Hepatitis or HIV.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

13 months ago

Welcome back to the Forum. I think you may think that HIV and hepatitis B are more easily transmitted than is the case. The risk of infection from both the earlier events you describe, as well as these events is negligible. While contact of a recent, open scrape, scratch or other lesion with an infected surface could theoretically lead to HIV or hepatitis B transmission, the fact is that this virtually never happened, even when persons are known to have one of the infections you mention. In the cases you mention above however, you do not know that these people even had the infections.

Further, as far as hepatitis B is concerned, you should be vaccinated. if you are, then there is virtually no risk for infection.

I would have no concerns about either of the encounters you describe. HIV and hepatitis B are transmitted primarily though unprotected, penetrative sexual contact or, particularly in health care settings, through needle sticks. Should you experience a needle stick, the facility should have a protocol for your evaluation and preventative measures.

I hope this information is helpful. EWH

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13 months ago

I am vaccinated against Hepatitis B. I was referring to Hepatitis C, my apologies. To clarify, from the information I have provided from the two scenarios... There is no risk of contracting either HIV or Hepatitis C and there is no need for testing?

13 months ago

Regardless if there was blood or no blood - since to the best of my knowledge neither of these 2 people from the 2 scenarios has HIV or Hepatitis C (being indicated as such in their medical histories)... That alone eliminates any risk whatsoever.

13 months ago

The fact that their medical histories are self-reported doesn't change anything, I have to trust that they're truthful.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

13 months ago

Your three follow-ups in less than an hour suggest that you are quite worried about these events. I would not be in the least. None of these events put you at meaningful risk for hepatitis C or HIV.

Please don't worry. EWH

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13 months ago

In conclusion: In the 2 events described and all of the supplemental information, there was no real risk of contracting HIV or Hepatitis C and therefore there is no need for testing, correct?

Edward W. Hook M.D.

13 months ago

That summary is correct. As this is my 3rd reply, the thread will be closed shortly. There should be no need for further questions. EWH---

13 months ago

Thank you for your time and expertise. Happy 4th of July to you and your family.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

13 months ago

Your welcome. Closing the thread now. Have a nice day. EWH---