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Tattoo needle stick, risk?
Hi,
I am a tattoo artist and have been pricked with needles several times throughout my career. I have been periodically tested, but lately not often because I've been in a relationship for many years. I recently got pricked and began to feel very terrified by it. I know this is mostly anxiety, but I would like some reassurance.
I have been told by doctors in person that there is no risk for HIV transmission from tattoo needles because they are solid, do not "hold" enough fluid, and HIV dies quickly outside of the body. However, is this true even if I was tattooing the person and the needle almost immediately went from inside of them to inside of me?
I have read many posts on this forum saying that HIV is very hard to catch, that being poked with a needle--even a hollow one--is not a "risk," but this differs so much from other info I read on Google and even from the Doctors who post on here who say that it "could" be a risk. There's just so much information out there and it's really overwhelming.
Is this a risk or no? Is there a NEED to get tested?
Any info would be appreciated.
I am a tattoo artist and have been pricked with needles several times throughout my career. I have been periodically tested, but lately not often because I've been in a relationship for many years. I recently got pricked and began to feel very terrified by it. I know this is mostly anxiety, but I would like some reassurance.
I have been told by doctors in person that there is no risk for HIV transmission from tattoo needles because they are solid, do not "hold" enough fluid, and HIV dies quickly outside of the body. However, is this true even if I was tattooing the person and the needle almost immediately went from inside of them to inside of me?
I have read many posts on this forum saying that HIV is very hard to catch, that being poked with a needle--even a hollow one--is not a "risk," but this differs so much from other info I read on Google and even from the Doctors who post on here who say that it "could" be a risk. There's just so much information out there and it's really overwhelming.
Is this a risk or no? Is there a NEED to get tested?
Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks Vance, I'm glad to hear that. Happy to have my doctors advice confirmed. Clearly my issue here is one of anxiety bc no matter how many times I hear "no risk," I still feel scared. Thanks for your help!
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