Is HIV transmission possible after a needle injury?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 23-year-old male. I went to a hospital with my cousin a few days back, and since then, I have been suffering from fever, cough, cold, and body pain.

In the hospital, I accidentally stepped on a needle and got pricked on my feet. I am worried that my symptoms are related to HIV.

Could you please explain to me the risk of HIV after a needle prick? What are the symptoms of HIV in the early stages? How do I prevent HIV in this situation? What tests should I undergo?

Please help me.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Early signs and symptoms of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection are:

Fever and chills.
Headache.
Tiredness.
Swollen lymph glands.
Rash.
Joint pain.
Sore throat.

The chance of getting HIV after a needle prick is less than one percent. However, it will be better to consult an HIV physician expert, for taking post-exposure prophylaxis. You need to do the ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) after three weeks, six weeks, six months, and 18 months. Overall the chance of getting HIV after exposure to needle break is less however it is always better to follow this protocol.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.