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

1 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.

1 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

---

1 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.

1 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.---