[Question #9638] HIV risks

30 months ago

Hi Doctors,

Please help me. I am so anxious. I am really worried about HIV now. I am travelling in Thailand. Three hours ago, I was walking on a street and stopped at a restaurant. I browsed the menu at a table near the street, and a waitress came to introduce me to the menu. Suddenly, my left thumb felt a stabbing pain. My thumb was pricked by something in the corner of the menu. I checked my thumb and saw no visible blood. I don't know for sure what pricked my thumb. There were staples in the corners of the menu, so it's possible that I was pricked by staples. However, I paid no attention to the menu at that moment. What if there were needles or other sharp objects that pricked my thumb and my hands? What if there was fresh blood on the menu or staples (or any other objects)? What if someone left his/her blood on the menu or staples (or any other objects) a couple of seconds before I was pricked? I can't see any visible cuts or wounds, but what if there were small cuts caused by this exposure? I just can't calm down. What if there were very small old cuts on my left thumb?

I wasn't so worried at that moment, but now I am extremely anxious. My left thumb can feel a slight pain now. I don't know if it's just anxiety or it's real pain. I do check it frequently.

What are my HIV risks? Should I worry about this exposure? I believe HIV is common in Thailand.

I have very serious OCD. Please help me! I am really grateful for your help. My English is bad. Please tell me if you don't understand anything.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

30 months ago

Welcome to the Forum and thanks for your questions. We get many questions from clients with OCD.

The event you describe is a no risk event. FYI, while Thailand has relatively high rates of HIV compared to some countries, most people (well over 90%) of persons in Thailand do not have HIV. Further and most importantly, the event you describe was a no risk event. HIV is harder to transmit/acquire than most people believe. HIV is acquired ONLY through direct sexual contact or injection of contaminated material deep into tissue. The virus becomes non-infectious almost immediately upon exposure to the environment. Thus there is no risk from contact with inanimate objects which may be contaminated- this includes paper products, plastics, counter tops and toilet seats. Further, in your case, there is simply no reason for concern. Had you even been theoretically exposed, you would have seen blood at the site where you experienced the prick.

There is no need for concern and no need for testing related to the event you describe. I hope the information I have provided is helpful.

Your English is fine. I encourage you to work with a professional to address your OCD. EWH

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