Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra
Dermatology
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I got a cut on my finger two days ago. I did not notice any pain. I saw the cut and blood was there, and I thought someone had tried to spread HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) by injection on purpose. Can I get HIV this way?
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) can be transmitted by injection if done with intent. But it is unlikely with the given description.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
My finger was cut with a blade. It was bleeding. I did not feel any pain at that time. I am very scared about HIV. I am very tense. It has been three days. Should I do an HIV test?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
It is usually unlikely that somebody has used it with the intent to transmit HIV. It may be that you are too anxious about the incident. Even if so, the chances in your scenario are very low by a single act. If it is within three days of exposure, then you can consult your doctor for examination, risk assessment, and need for PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis). If it is more than three days of exposure, then you can go for an HIV antibodies test and HIV 1 and 2 RNA PCR (polymerase chain reaction) after 14 days of exposure, followed by an HIV antibodies test after three months of exposure.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
How much blood is needed to transmit HIV? How long does the virus live in the blood in the injection needle? Please explain how injection causes HIV and how injection does not cause HIV.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
The human immunodeficiency virus is nanometers in size. Even a minute quantity of infected blood, secretions, or fluid is enough for its transmission. HIV can survive in the environment or needle for a few minutes. Reused needles, infected needles, or sharp objects, which can penetrate or get into our blood, can transmit HIV.
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Dermatology
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