[Question #7060] HIV from needle stick outside
61 months ago
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Hello again:
Today, I was taking pictures along side a freeway in an urban area and walked up to the freeway from a side road that was a dead end. (I wasn't on the freeway itself lol) It's in a not so great neighborhood. Between the dead end and the freeway was a grassy area that had debris all over the place. Looks like it was dumped from a small truck or vehicle. Some of the small grass was tough and you can feel it through your shoes. Debris consisted of stuff such as soda cups, energy drink cans, tobacco wrappers, wrappers, discarded wood and other plastic materials that I saw.
I bought $10 cheap sneakers from Walmart and noticed 2 holes in the sole of my left shoe. I can seem y socks through the holes. Both were round and the size of a centimeter and I was wearing white ankle socks. The area of my big toe and middle toe comes out to where the holes would be.
I looked where I stepped for the most part. But now I am thinking what if I stepped on a needle and didn't know it? Or I assumed it was the tough grass but it was actually a needle?
I have come to this area twice. Both times a week apart to photograph. There was less debris this time than the first time. I'm guess some blew away or was picked up by someone.
Driving home I did notice tingling in my toes that were near the holes in my shoes. I checked my toe an hour later and didn't see any fresh wounds but I did see some indents and/or abrasions or redness on my toes.
If i did step on a needle that was infected with HIV blood how likely is it for me to contract HIV? How long can infected HIV blood stay contagious in a needle? If there was a needle I am guessing was laying there for a bit outside in the elements.
Thanks in advance!
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
61 months ago
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Welcome back to the forum. On this occasion I happened to pick up your question. The events you describe are no risk events in terms of HIV. There are no proven instances when someone has acquired HIV from stepping on a needle in an environmental situation such as the one you described. It is likely that many different factors contribute to the absence of risk in such situations. HIV virus survives poorly in the environment, being susceptible to the effects of heat, humidity, and exposure to the air, All of which make continued infectivity in the middle of the sort you describe yes and less likely over time.
Hey McAllister the events you describe, there is no evidence that a puncture occurred either. I would urge you not to worry at all about the events you describe. I see no medical or scientific reason for testing related to it.
I hope this information is helpful. If anything is unclear please feel free to use your up to two follow-up visits for clarification. Take care. EWH
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