Did I have an exposure? Should I test.

[TimJ23]

Hello,

I work in home construction, today I was installing siding with a guy I've known a while. He gets around with both men and women. We were working around a rose bush. He got pricked and scratched on the bush and stopped got mad and gave up working, I was standing next to him, so when he walked away I took his spot and started where he left off. I was then poked and scratched by the same thorns, I started to bleed from the areas that were poked (I had 3 needles in my hand I needed to pull out. When I walked away he was standing there bleeding also from the same thorns.

So my question is seeing he was poked and scratched hard enough to bleed and then I was poked and scratched hard enough to bleed 1/2 - 1 minute after by the same thorns am I at risk of hiv, hbv or hcv??

Please help me understand my risk. This happened today and I can't get it off my mind

Can I still sleep with my wife?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Glad I could help.  EWH

[TimJ23]

Thank you!

[Edward W Hook, MD]

No, there are no known cases in which infection has been transmitted this way.  While theoretically possible, it is theoretically possible in the same way that it is theoretically possible you will be struck by a meteor from space while reading this.  It is not something to worry about.  EWH

[TimJ23]

Thank you doc,
So. There has never been anyone infected this way from any of the blood borne viruses ?

I don't have to worry even a little bit about this exposure?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to the Forum.  I'll be pleased to comment.  Even though your co-worker may have a somewhat risky lifestyle, the events you describe did not put you at any meaningful risk for acquiring HIV, hepattiis or any other blood borne infection.  These viruses start to die as soon as they are out of the body and are not transmitted by indirect contact with contaminated objects such as thorns, staples, nails, etc.  There is no reason for concern and no read to seek testing related to this event.

I hope this comment is helpful to you. EWH