Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I wanted to ask what the risk of HIV infection is from a possible single speck of serum splash in the eye. I work in a laboratory, and I always wear PPE gloves, eye goggles, and a mask to cover my mouth. A couple of times, I felt something in my eye as I was loading samples, but no visible splash occurred.
No sample was dropped or splashed, and there was no serum on the goggles. In both incidents, I still washed my eyes with saline as a precaution. I am worried and overthink this in case a speck of serum found its way to my eye through the goggles somehow, and I got infected with HIV.
The goggles were fine under inspection. I have really lost my sleep over this. Maybe I will start wearing a visor on top of my goggles next time to enhance protection.
Please help.
Thank you.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
The chances or risk of HIV by infectious serum or fluid splash to the eye is less than 0.1 percent, i.e., 1 in 1000. This is by direct infective fluid contact. You have been using PPE goggles regularly, as per the description. If at all, there is a splash, then it would have been visible on the goggles or PPE, which you would have definitely noticed. It is very unlikely for fluid to get into your eyes with all precautions.
In my opinion, you need not worry about such splashes or incidents. I would congratulate you for taking all precautions. Just continue to follow all these precautions. You can use a visor too as an additional precautionary measure.
I hope this helps.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
So it is extremely unlikely, as I can see from the numbers, less than 0.1 percent. I will try to relax and forget about it.
Please help.
Thank you.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Relax. Forget about the incident. Take all precautions. Be alert and also confident.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
One more thing to ask that I forgot in my previous query. These days, I feel very tired and hot all the time, especially on my face, but my body temperature is normal at 36.5 degrees Celsius. I am also on my period this week.
These symptoms are not related to my worry about HIV, are they?
Please help.
Thank you.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
What is your age? Minor variations in body temperature can be due to diurnal variations, anxiety, stress, workload, environmental changes, menstrual cycles, physical activity, drug intake, etc.
Do not worry about minor changes, and do not link everything with HIV. Just relax. Drink adequate water and fluids. Adapt yourself to the environmental variations appropriately.
Do yoga, meditation, and physical activities within your comfort. Do not think of HIV for every other symptom.
I hope this helps.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
I am a 43-year-old female. It feels as if I have had permanent hot flashes for the last five days after my period started. But when checking my body temperature, the thermometer showed 36.5. And I feel so tired and sleepy these days.
I think I have an HIV phobia, which is why I link every symptom to it. The worst thing is when I read all the info about seroconversion on the internet, and I get paranoid. I think I need to stop doing this and trust the doctor.
I suffer from anxiety, and it is not helping at the moment. Once, a doctor told me that a substantial amount of infected blood is needed for one to get infected and that I should not worry about a possible speck that might have splashed in my eye while wearing goggles. It is unlikely. Is it true?
I will try to switch my brain to thinking happy things and exercise as you advised me.
Thank you.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
There are possibilities of menstrual irregularities around the menopausal period for a few individuals. You may have some mood changes, irritability, temperature changes, and anxiety, especially around this time. Consult your gynecologist if any of the menstrual-related symptoms are present. Otherwise relax.
Stop searching about HIV. The internet gives a lot of information that can do more harm than good. Nevertheless, follow all safety precautions at work. If you are fully protected with goggles and shields, then there is nothing to worry about HIV.
Indeed, it is good for you to forget about HIV and get involved in activities of your interest. You have realized it, and the sooner you implement it, the better.
I hope this information helps you.
Thank you.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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