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Suggest Remedies For Infection On The Hand

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Posted on Thu, 21 Dec 2017
Question: Hey doctor,

I just had a question about infection spreading just before I shook someone’s hand and his other hand was bleeding from a cut and I shook the other one but I wasn’t 100% sure if the other hand that I shook had any blood. I don’t have any cuts or anything on my hand that I shook with and I am unsure if they had any diseases but if they did what are the chances of it spreading through a handshake? I washed my hands with water straight after and used hand sanitizer as well.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
There is no risk for infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you writing in healthcare magic.

Based on your history , shaking your hand without active bleeding cuts with an other hand with active bleeding , you shouldn't worry because there is no risk to get HIV or hepatitis B and C.
If you have cuts not visible in your hands the chance to get these infection are very low. It needed to have an open active bleeding cut to have an increased risk for infections.


I hope my answer helps you.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (59 minutes later)
Thanks for that doctor I didn’t have any blood on my hand after the shake either, I was just a bit worried about it and wanted to clear it up. Just out of curiosity sake if I shook someone’s hand that had bleeding but mine had no open cuts would the risk be there? Can you actually get HIV etc by this happening?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (20 hours later)
Brief Answer:
It depends on the size of the cut.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you writing back.

If you have an open large bleeding cut and a direct blood to blood contact from shaking hand there exist the risk to get HIV and hepatitis B and C infections.
But if the cut is small and superficial there is a little to no risk to get these infections.

I hope my answer helps you.
Regards.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Monika Dede

Infectious Diseases Specialist

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 1005 Questions

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Suggest Remedies For Infection On The Hand

Brief Answer: There is no risk for infection. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank you writing in healthcare magic. Based on your history , shaking your hand without active bleeding cuts with an other hand with active bleeding , you shouldn't worry because there is no risk to get HIV or hepatitis B and C. If you have cuts not visible in your hands the chance to get these infection are very low. It needed to have an open active bleeding cut to have an increased risk for infections. I hope my answer helps you. Regards.