Q. What are my chances of becoming positive for HIV after a needle stick injury?
Hello doctor,
I had a needle stick exposure before 11 months. When I was trying to insert the IV in a patient, I ended up poking myself accidentally on my finger. I did a fourth-generation HIV antibody test five months before, and it turned out negative.
Recently, I went for a routine check-up, and everything was average except my total WBC. It was 3.5 million cells/mm³, and my neutrophils were slightly low. After reading this, my doctor wants me to recheck for HIV and any other infectious diseases. I am not sexually active now, and I am concerned.
I am a worried doctor. What are my chances? What are your thoughts? I did have my second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine before 20 days. My query is, would the vaccine be the cause for the increase in WBC?
Thanks.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
1) If the last exposure was before 11 months and there had been no further exposure, then your test result for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) will be considered conclusive.
2) Fourth-generation HIV test is highly sensitive and is unlikely to miss infection if there is any.
3) Delayed seroconversion is rarely seen in prolonged immunosuppressive therapy or high-dose steroids for a longer duration.
4) Symptoms which you mentioned are non-specific and are unlikely due to HIV infection.
5) COVID-19 vaccination (Coronavirus Disease-2019) is unlikely to affect your test result of HIV.
6) Majority of your laboratory values are acceptable, including WBC (white blood cells) (attachments removed to protect the patient’s identity).
7) Chances of HIV acquisition are non-existent if there is no further exposure.
Best wishes.
Hello doctor,
Thanks for the reply.
I do not have any other exposure. I have had tattoos done but again the place was very clean and all needles were brand new out of the box prior to being used.
What could be the reason for the fluctuations in my blood values?
Thanks.
Hello,
Welcome.back to icliniq.com.
The fluctuations are just borderline low and may not be related to HIV. You just need multivitamin supplements for a month and good diet. Kindly repeat your blood counts after a month.
Best wishes.
Was this answer helpful?
|Same symptoms doesn’t mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Related Questions:
Is It Safe to Socialize After Getting Fully Vaccinated?
Recently, the pandemic named COVID-19, which is caused by a novel Coronavirus, has hit so many lives ... Read full
Does a breakout of cold sores mean I am HIV positive?.. noted your concern. An irregular period is not a sign of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection nor is a breakout of labial herpes (cold sores). An irregular period could be due to other reasons like stress, anxiety, hormonal imbalances of t... Read full
Can exposure to pre-seminal fluid cause HIV?I took an RNA HIV test 16 days after that exposure ... After 48 days, I took a fourth generation HIV test antibody/antigen ... Read full
Also Read Answers From:
Comprehensive Medical Second Opinion.Submit your Case
Also Read
Coronavirus Variant Arcturus: | Omicron XBB.1.16 Variant
Arcturus is an emerging variant of the Omicron virus that causes various symptoms and spreads rapidly across the world. ... Read more»
Adrenaline Rush - Symptoms, Causes, Effects, and How to Control
Adrenaline is a hormone responsible for fight or flight response. It is also a neurotransmitter and medicine. It is also... Read more»
Fatty Liver - Types, Symptoms, Stages, and Treatment
The liver is the largest gland in the body. Its primary function is to process the food and drinks we consume. and filte... Read more»
Ask your health query to a doctor online?
Ask a HIV AIDS Specialist Now* guaranteed answer within 4 hours.
