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Can HIV Be Contracted Through An Open Wound?
Question: It was dry blood on the toilet seat I wipe with a tissue but I forgot I have a cut on thumb by the skin part I worried the blood touch my cut
Brief Answer:
Practically no chances of infection.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for your query at HCM.
I understand your concern and situation.
The infections that can be passed via blood contact to skin are commonly transfusion transmitted diseases. Hypothetically there is a very very low risk of infection if any of infection such as HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, etc. But from practical point there is no possibility of infection. I presume it was a public toilet and you used tissue paper which was additional barrier and blood was already dry. If you had washed your hands it further lowers the risk. It could be menstrual blood which has even lower risk. So in my opinion you need not worry and require no tests. Just remember in future you must wash your hands properly after wiping toilet seat and avoid direct contact with any secretions or blood. Get Hepatitis B vaccination done if you have not received the shot.
Take care.
You can take a follow-up query.
If no clarifications then you can close the discussion and rate the answer.
Best of health
Dr Sheetal Verma
Infectious diseases Specialist
Practically no chances of infection.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for your query at HCM.
I understand your concern and situation.
The infections that can be passed via blood contact to skin are commonly transfusion transmitted diseases. Hypothetically there is a very very low risk of infection if any of infection such as HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, etc. But from practical point there is no possibility of infection. I presume it was a public toilet and you used tissue paper which was additional barrier and blood was already dry. If you had washed your hands it further lowers the risk. It could be menstrual blood which has even lower risk. So in my opinion you need not worry and require no tests. Just remember in future you must wash your hands properly after wiping toilet seat and avoid direct contact with any secretions or blood. Get Hepatitis B vaccination done if you have not received the shot.
Take care.
You can take a follow-up query.
If no clarifications then you can close the discussion and rate the answer.
Best of health
Dr Sheetal Verma
Infectious diseases Specialist
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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