HomeAnswersHIV/AIDS specialistfear of hivI had a wound in my cuticle, and I came in contact with the blood from an HIV-positive person. Can I get HIV?

What are the tests to be performed after getting exposed to HIV?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At January 30, 2023
Reviewed AtAugust 14, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

An HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) positive person accidentally cut his finger and was bleeding. I helped this person fix a band-aid, but I forgot I had a cut on my cuticle. He has been on medications for the past three years, but I am afraid I will get HIV as his blood came in contact with my open wound. Kindly help.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. There would be a chance for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) transmission if the open wound had contact with the infected blood. But, if there is no breach in the skin, or if the skin is intact, the virus cannot enter the host as intact skin acts as an effective barrier. I hope this helps you.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply. The cuticle was not bleeding, but the flesh was exposed, and I am not sure if the blood came in contact with it. Can I get HIV even if he is on medication? Kindly help.

Hi, Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. The risk of transmission is low if there is no contact with the blood. I suggest you perform the following: If the incident has happened within 72 hours, consult a doctor for further risk assessment and management. If it is beyond 72 hours, blood tests should be performed. If the HIV antibodies test is negative after three months from the exposure, then it is HIV negative. If it is negative within three months of exposure, then another HIV antibodies test should be performed after three months of exposure. I hope this helps you.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your reply. This incident happened one year back. I am worried I have HIV because of headaches and a hard knot on my lymph node. I have not lost weight, and I do not have any other change in my body, but I am anxious about this. Kindly help.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. The symptoms are nonspecific and are not due to HIV. It can be due to any other infections. I suggest you perform an HIV antibodies test. It would be conclusive as it is one-year post-exposure. This will be a better way to get yourself relieved of anxiety, guilt, or suspicious feelings about HIV. I hope this helps you.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your reply. I will do this test.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Happy to have helped you out.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra
Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra

Dermatology

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