Is it necessary for a wound to be deep to get HIV?

Question

Hi doctor,

Today I was at the nail salon, and they cut my cuticle with some of the machinery, and it bled a little like a papercut. Then they used utensils to finish my manicure. The guy who was doing my nails had a little sore on his thumb, and it looked like it was bleeding a little. I am not sure if our blood came in contact.

But what are the chances of contracting HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) if the guy doing my nails was positive? There was very little blood, and the cut in my cuticle was not that deep. Does it need to be deep wounds?

Please advise.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The chances of transmission of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) by the given description are almost nil. It is very unlikely that his blood would come in contact with your wound. The bleeding wound can act as a portal of entry for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), and only the deeper wound has a greater chance.

Kind regards.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Thank you for the follow-up query.

Yes, the chances of transmission of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) are very low to almost nil in this scenario. This is because the chances of blood contact are low. Moreover, he need not be HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) positive.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Answer 3

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, I understand you are too anxious about the situation. Practically, in my opinion, the risk appears to be nil. The chances of coming in contact with his infected blood and being HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) positive are nil. If he is HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) negative, there is no reason for you to worry.

If possible, you can confirm his status. Even if blood comes in contact with your open wound and he is HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infected, the possibility of transmission of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is low. If you are too anxious, you can consult your doctor for further risk assessment and the need for PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis).

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) must be initiated as early as possible, not after 72 hours of risk exposure. I do not see the need for you to worry about PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis).

Kind regards.