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What Are The Chances Of HIV Through Shaking Hands With Cuts?

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Posted on Mon, 28 Jul 2014
Question: I work for retail company. We were removing 4 x 8 slat wall (5 pieces). I cut myself on 3rd piece, when slipped from his hand. . Went Imediately washed hands and put bandage. Later I noticed scratches on hands of associate helping me he is hiv positive. I never saw blood. I asked my doctor but he said it's not even worth talking about because chances are so remote it's almost imposible. But next day got bad headache, sore throat, allergy like symptoms. So called hotline, they scared me they said I had major occupational exposure should have been put on pep but too late now. Now I'm scared. My doctor is upset asked for hotline number. But now I'm scared. Had hiv test negative at 8 days but I know not accurate now. Had rna pcr by labcorp at 12 days post negative, an hiv combo duo at 4 weeks negative, rapid oral at 7 weeks negative. I also had cbc .. wbc 10.7 high, Hgb low 13.5, hct low39.9%, rdw high 15.5%, segs high 77.2%,:lymphocytes low 12.4%, segs-bands # high 8.2, lymphocytes 1.3 k/cmm normal. Would any of this indicates primary hiv infection this was done 7 days post possible exposure. Everyone tells me there's no chance but wracked with anxiety. Now today 8 weeks post rash on buttocks. Please help.  
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (56 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
hi and welcome to hcm

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the query.
Considering your description of this,there is negligible risk of hiv transmission and you dont have to be concerned at all.Hiv cant be transmissed by objects in nature. You could get wound infection but hiv and other virus not. Blood work is nonspecific and may indicate some mild inflammatory process anywhere in body but probably it doesnt mean anything. all your other symptoms are caused by anxiety and simple respiratory infection. i know hiv sounds terrible,but as i said there is no risk and those tests that were unnecessary,just confirmed that.wish you good health. Feel free to ask. Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (3 days later)
So just to end my anxiety I know everyone says I had no risk but to reassure me those tests would be as conclusive as they get under circumstances of my worries.?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (15 hours later)
Brief Answer:
hi

Detailed Answer:
Of course it would be conclusive. It cant affect blood results. Transmission wasnt possible and there is no possibility of being hiv+.
Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich

General Surgeon

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 13886 Questions

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What Are The Chances Of HIV Through Shaking Hands With Cuts?

Brief Answer: hi and welcome to hcm Detailed Answer: Thanks for the query. Considering your description of this,there is negligible risk of hiv transmission and you dont have to be concerned at all.Hiv cant be transmissed by objects in nature. You could get wound infection but hiv and other virus not. Blood work is nonspecific and may indicate some mild inflammatory process anywhere in body but probably it doesnt mean anything. all your other symptoms are caused by anxiety and simple respiratory infection. i know hiv sounds terrible,but as i said there is no risk and those tests that were unnecessary,just confirmed that.wish you good health. Feel free to ask. Regards