[Question #7607] Blood on snow

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54 months ago
Dear Dr. Handsfield

I was walking in the street and it was snowing heavily and there was a lot of snow on the sidewalk. And I noticed a large pink spot on the snow which was a size of an apple and seemed to be snow soaked by blood. So now I am really worried because a lot of snow got into my boots, and my boots rub behind my heels, it was not bleeding but the area of rubbing is pink and hard and painful when walking. I walked for about 1-2 hours after that. I did not change my socks for 6-7 hours which were a little wet.

Is this something to worry about? Please could you assess the risks of blood-borne infections?
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
54 months ago
Welcome back to the forum, but I'm sorry you found it necessary -- especially for a non-exposure event like this. Nobody in the world ever has caught HIV by exposure to blood or body fluids in the environment. Even if the "pink spot" in the snow was blood, and even if from an HIV infected person (which is statistically unlikely anyway), you are not at risk and should not be tested for HIV or any other blood borne infection.

This and your previous recent question suggest you may be abnormally obsessed with HIV risk from nonsexual exposures. This is a form of germophobia, which can be an early sign of severe mental health disability. (As a great example, see The Aviator, the excellent film biography of the "eccentric" industrialist Howard Hughes.) I have re-opened your previously closed thread so other users can understand the context of this advice-- since education of other users is one of the forum's main goals.) If such thoughts are significantly affecting your life, please consider professional counseling. I suggest if from compassion, not criticism.

Really, do your best not to worry at all about this. There's no possibility of HIV in this situation. Please let me know if anything isn't clear.

HHH, MD
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54 months ago
In addition to the above, probably there are micro-cracks or scratches due to boot rub.
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
54 months ago
This doesn't change my opinion or advice.---
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54 months ago
Thanks, I will do my best to stop worrying about such silly things.  
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54 months ago
Sir, you can close this thread.