[Question #12484] Gas pump risk/concern
7 months ago
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Hello, hate to be back here again after a few months. I just a little bit confused, but concerned at the same time. Last night i was headed somewhere and decided to stop at a gas station in an area I’m Not familiar with. Gas station was a little on the sketchy side once I realized but nothing too crazy. As I grabbed the gas pump, I saw this broken black plastic object attached and stuck behind the gas pump handle, keeping the handle pulled down. I realized it was preventing me from pumping the gas, so I wasn’t fully aware what it was and just removed it with my fingers. After i removed it, it looked to be a piece of broken plastic knife. I don’t remember if it had nipped me or not from moving it because it happened so fast, but shortly afterwards I looked at my wrist and there was a small red dot. I don’t even know if that red dot has been there already or not, It went away in about 2-3 hours.
Is it possible, say if you get cut or poked by an object like that broken plastic knife on the gas pump to contract HIV or Hep C ? or just contract HIV or Hep C in general from a gas pump if you get poked or cut by a sharp/unknown object or a needle? I already have an irrational fear of getting poked by objects and needles which I’m really working on, so this situation really caught me off guard. I’ve always wondered about situations like this. I’m sorry for the question once again, I just really need to know. Thank you
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
7 months ago
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Welcome back to the Forum although I'm sorry you felt the need and am sorry as well that you continue to worry about possible acquisition of HIV, other STIs, or hepatitis C (which you have been told is not as STI) through contact with inanimate objects. These questions are a variation on questions which Dr. Handsfield and I each answered 4 months ago regarding contact with contaminated inanimate object. HIV and other blood born infections are transmitted ONLY through injection of contaminated material deep into tissue or, in the case of STIs, unprotected penetrative sexual contact with an untreated, infected person. The "poke" you experienced was a no risk event, most prominently because it was contact with an inanimate object but also because there was no evidence of a cut or punction. The red dot you describe does not represent a risk. There is no reason for concern and no reason for testing related to the events you describe. EWH---
7 months ago
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Thank you Dr. Hook for that. That’s what I really needed to hear and makes 100% sense.
And one last thing… This is just out of pure curiosity. I received oral sex from a woman about 3 days ago. She smokes marijuana every day pretty heavy from what she told me. When she went down on me, within a few seconds I felt a burning sensation on my penis which I assumed it was because of her being a smoker and we also went out for a alcohol drink that night. I’m not worried about HIV or STD’s from receiving oral from her, but my question is, is it possible that a person that smokes a lot of marijuana or cigarettes can cause a burning/extra warm sensation on the penis from their mouth for several seconds?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
7 months ago
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Sorry, I am not aware of any data to support of refute the possibility that this woman's heavy smoking led to the sensations you experience. I am confident however that it could not have represented any STI.
EWH
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7 months ago
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Thank you for your input Dr. Hook. I just have one very last question, I hate to be a pest but it’s another question out of curiosity, not concern since you guys are the ones that I really trust. I had came across some articles online actually about the Covid 19 vaccine possibly increasing the chance of catching HIV in general. Then I read some updated articles from pretty legit online news sources stating that that is false. From your expertise and knowledge, is that really false that the people that are Covid 19 Vaccinated are at higher risk of contracting HIV in a risky situation because of what’s in the vaccine? I’ve just always wanted to know.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
7 months ago
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Sigh. I suspect you heard about the COVID Vaccine increasing risk on the internet. Once again, the internet has failed you. The COVID vaccine is life saving, reduces the risk of acquiring COVID and DOES NOT increase the risk for HIV. Please don't worry.
This thread is now over. There should be NO reason to return to the Forum regarding HIV or STI risk from inanimate objects on the future. HIV is only transmitted through DIRECT unprotected penetrative sexual contact or injection of infectious material deep into tissue. Take care. EWH
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