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What Are The Chances Of HIV Transmission Through An Accidental Nail Prick?
Question: I boarded an auto and sat in the auto firmly as there was luggage with me, in that force I found something had pricked me at the back, I have seen it and found it was an Iron nail coming out of the seat of the auto, I touched it and found no visible fluid or blood on that sharp nail which was poking out, But I found I was pricked and found a drop of blood came at my back which was covered with shirt, It has been 24hrs now, Please let me know the chances of getting HIV through it, I checked with auto driver, He told it may have come out of seat, I am not sure whether he deliberately placed it or not, I am worried, I am Planning to go for PEP tomorow, Please advice me....
Brief Answer:
It is unlikely that you will get HIV from nail prick
Detailed Answer:
Hi xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. It is unlikely that you will get HIV if you have confirmed that there was a nail in the auto seat which pricked your back.
2. Travelling by public transport like auto and getting poked by a nail is common due to badly maintained vehicles and nails are not deliberately put on the seat. If he wanted to harm you then he will put needle and there is difference in nail and needle. However there is no risk of HIV because the likelihood of a HIV patient sitting before you and getting poked by the nail to cause bleeding is an unlikely event.
3. The HIV causing virus is destroyed in minutes when exposed to air. Therefore you are safe from HIV and can forget this incident. For peace of mind you can consult at the HIV counseling center and discuss after showing your wound whether you really require HIV post exposure prophylaxis.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
It is unlikely that you will get HIV from nail prick
Detailed Answer:
Hi xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. It is unlikely that you will get HIV if you have confirmed that there was a nail in the auto seat which pricked your back.
2. Travelling by public transport like auto and getting poked by a nail is common due to badly maintained vehicles and nails are not deliberately put on the seat. If he wanted to harm you then he will put needle and there is difference in nail and needle. However there is no risk of HIV because the likelihood of a HIV patient sitting before you and getting poked by the nail to cause bleeding is an unlikely event.
3. The HIV causing virus is destroyed in minutes when exposed to air. Therefore you are safe from HIV and can forget this incident. For peace of mind you can consult at the HIV counseling center and discuss after showing your wound whether you really require HIV post exposure prophylaxis.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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