Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Cannot tell between needle prick and insect bite

Hi everyone , am sorry for sounding like an paranoid jackass. But I need to know really.
Me and my friend went on an trekking trip in India. And when we came down to our lodge and changing our clothes for a nice walk across the town , we noticed that both of us have some sort of bleeding (profuse bleeding) on our legs . Just above the ankle on the front side of the leg.

We went to see a doctor and many of them gave different suggessions , some said that it could be a needle prick. While some others said that it is nothing but an insect bite. I have the following points to make. I am not scared because whatever will happen , will happen. But to the least , I can get the PEP for HIV done, if that is the case. Needle sticks do happen in india.

The final doctor we went to was strongly suggesting that it was an insect bite because :-

1. It had bled profusely (The tests suggested the same with some increased counts and clotting rate etc)
2. We both don't know when it happened and we both were not at all drunk or drugged (we were cycling)
3. It could be an insect bite because of trekking.
4. Most commonly , the needle could be pricked on the hip or on the back , but not on the front of the ankle
5. Even with all this , it is really difficult to catch HIV this way

The doctor was really adamant that I go for profylaxin  or ELISA or P-24 or anything.
The wound actually doesn't look like a fang or anything but just like the needle puncture. And we took a lot of public means of transport . So that is what scares me. Also , both me and my friend have the wound at the very same spot and on the very same leg.
I understand that I might be making a lot of people angry out here , but I am looking for a reassurance so I can enjoy India further :). Should I go for some tests or PEP or something ? Are there any major side effects on the same.
Am sorry but even if there is 1% chance of catching HIV this way
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Teak* (sorry for the typo)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks a lot for the reassurance Teal.
Cheers :)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
You never had an exposure.

HIV is transmitted by;
Unprotected penetrative anal and/or vaginal sex
Sharing works with other IV drug users
Mother to child
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the HIV Prevention Community

Top HIV Answerers
366749 tn?1544695265
Karachi, Pakistan
370181 tn?1595629445
Arlington, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from surfaces, like toilet seats?
Can you get HIV from casual contact, like hugging?
Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.