Obviously I have severe OCD, especially HIV related. I know my mind is wrecking my life and it has been hard to get a good therapist that you really connect with, without long wait lists and so on. But,in the meantime let me ask a simple question: if I were to be poked with a HIV contaminated needle in a public setting, would I know that? Firstly, would I feel the needle going into my skin ( let's say my arm), would there be visible blood, and would it take longer than a second of a prick to actually infect someone? What I am trying to say is: would it be impossible to get infected if you are poked for a literally a second, not enough to feel it, or see an actual person doing it to you? I just want to get rid of this thought, please help. 

Just to add in case I was not clear: I DECIDED that somebody poked me with a needle in a mall; I did not feel anything, I did not see anybody doing it to me, and when I came home I saw I had a couple of tiny red dots on my arm, but I think I always have them, just normal variations of dry 63 old women's skin. None of it looked like I was seriously poked by a needle, and again, I did not feel anything, nothing. It is just that a horrible thought came to me and I cannot get rid of it. Again, the question is: if something that's serious happened, where a person could actually be infected, that person would know and feel, right? Thank you very much. Your response will give me space and a chance to calm down and get to some reason.  

Welcome back to the Forum.  I'm sorry you continue to struggle with your OCD.  In preparing to respond, I reviewed some of the interactions that you have had with Dr. Handsfield and I over the past several years.  I won't debate whether or not someone stuck you with a needle.  Rather I will provide you with my reassurance that no one has ever been infected with HIV or other blood borne pathogens in the manner you describe.  Further, I will tell you that is no blood was obviously present when you examined the site of the possible stick, there is NO RISK of infection.  From a medical and scientific perspective there is no need for testing and no need for concern.---

Dr. Hook, thank you very much. Just before you close this: can a person be seriously ( deeply) poked with a needle without feeling it? Just that , and I am done . I am asking because I looked at my arm only after I came home, so I am not sure if I bled or not  ( although I saw no evidence of any bleeding, just a couple of tiny red dots that , again, may be just skin dots). Thank you much again, and that is it for me. 

As Dr. Handsfield has told you in the past, In science we can never say never however it would be very, very unusual for you to be stuck deeply with a needle and not feel it.  Try to address your OCD.  EWH---

No need to test? Shall I just drop it and move on?

Correct.  No need to test.  My advice is to drop it and move forward.  ---

I love the way you answered my last question, Dr. Hook. Thank you so very much , truly. You made me feel totally OK now.

I’m pleased that I could help.  Take care.  Closing the thread now.  EWH---