[Question #1474] Exposure

93 months ago

Sir,

1) During work , my co-worker's head was hit by sharp object .I checked his head to check whether there is bleeding .it was a small wound and there were some blood. After sometime I rubbed my eyes , I am not sure whether there was any blood on my hand , what are chances of getting hiv if there was some blood on my head ??

2) in another instance , while I was standing below ladder , some drops of liquid fell on my eyes. If it is blood , what are chances of hiv??

Edward W. Hook M.D.

93 months ago

Welcome to our Forum. Even before I address what might happen IF the persons who got cut or who the liquid cam from had HIV, unless there is something you neglected to say it is most unlikely that these people had HIV, making these vents no risk events.

Even if they were infected however, HIV and other blood borne STIs such as hepatitis are only transmitted by direct contact through penetrative sexual intercourse or by injection of infected material deep into tissue. There have never been cases of HIV transmitted in the manner that you describe. HIV becomes non-infectious almost immediately on contact with the air or environment and is not transmitted through touching, even if you were touching/rubbing something like your eyes.

The events you describe were no risk. No need for concern and no need for testing. EWH

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93 months ago

Sir ,

1) What are the cases you mean when you said that "unless there is something you neglected to say "

2) do you think amount of blood makes difference??

93 months ago

I mean large or small amount

Edward W. Hook M.D.

93 months ago

1. Some of our clients ask questions about imagined exposures or do not acknowledge sexual contact with people they have sex with. If your history was complete that is OK and, as I said, there is NO risk and no need for testing.,

2. No, the amount of blood does not make a difference.

EWH

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