[Question #13356] I got poked by a sharp object

10 months ago

I was getting on the subway when a man with a backpack brushed past me. It looked like something sharp was sticking out of his bag—maybe a safety pin, a pen, or even a needle. It poked me around the stomach area.

After checking my skin, I didn’t see any wound on my skin and there was no blood left on my shirt. However, I’m concerned that there might have been a very tiny wound that I just didn’t notice and this may lead to the risk.

Is there any risk of HIV from this kind of situation? I’m worried because I can’t help thinking that he might have done it on purpose maybe he want to spread the HIV (worst case scenario).

Thanks you Dr.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

10 months ago

Welcome back to the Forum although I'm sorry that you felt the need. While this question addresses a new sort of possible exposure, it once again reflects an unrealistic concern regarding HIV, it's prevalence, and how it is transmitted. I can't imagine why you are concerned- there is no evidence that you were stuck by something, much less that someone would knowingly try to infect others in the manner you suggest. There are no cases that I am aware of in which someone has become infected in the manner you suggest. Please remember:

1. HIV is uncommon and here in the US the majority of persons with HIV are on treatment which prevents transmission.

2. For HIV to be transmitted by a puncture, a hollow point needle and injection of infectious blood or secretions must occur. There is no evidence that you sustained a puncture. If you had, you would have seen blood at the site.

3. Why would someone knowingly try to transmit HIV to others, particularly strangers.

This was a no risk event. I see no medical or scientific reason for concern or for testing. I would suggest however that you carefully think about the basis of your paranoia regarding HIV and HIV risk.

EWH

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10 months ago

I really stuck by a sharp object (from his backpack), as I felt some pain. When I came back home, I took off my white shirt and didn’t see any blood on it. Since there was no visible blood, can I conclude that I am not at risk of HIV, even though I felt pain?

I live in Bangkok, not the US. and from my exposure, this situation does not pose any HIV risk, and I don’t need PEP or blood testing right ? Thank you, doctor. I’m just a little OCD about HIV because I’m gay and have to be very be careful.

and you never see or read the report that someone who infected like this before ?

Edward W. Hook M.D.

10 months ago

Repetitive. Nothing you describe suggests any risk for HIV. As I already said there are no reports of anyone ever being infected in the way that you describe. EWH.---