Hi, just wanted to offer an update/resolution to anyone else looking at this. My doctor says the chance is small, but beleives a test is warrented due to my open wound. Thanks to Teak for answering and I hope you are correct and there was nothing to worry about.
ou had no small risk. youhad ZERO risk
Hi Guys,
I think what I wrote was misunderstood a little bit. I'm not meaning to make people fear HIV contraction through casual contact. I know that this is not possible. Basically, HIV is transmitted through sexual intercourse (oral sex doesn't count) or blood-to-blood contact. Blood-to-blood contact usually happens through sharing a needle. HIV as Teak said does not live long outside the body- actually its only a couple of minutes.
My situation was just a little weird that's all. The reason my doctor recommended a test was because my blood was present. The chances of the person I came in contact with ALSO having a fresh, open wound is next to nothing. However, there was not 'ZERO risk'.
Doctor just explained that there was a small risk and I should take the test for my sexual parter's sake. I agree with the doctor here- it is not my decision to make when someone else's health is at risk.
To those reading this forum, the chance of contracting HIV in this situation was super small. As a general rule, follow your doctor's orders.
Thankyou to Teak and Chestbuthil for easing my concern. :)
hi,
you should not encourage people reading this forum to ignore information from medical practitioner. i hope (and know you probably are correct) in thinking im ok. but if your doc says take the test- you take the test.
i once read a forum where someone was urging a girl to get a pap smear after using a tampon! moral: forums are sometimes not that accurate.
Move along. Your doctor was WRONG.
having a M.D. after one's name does NOT mean that are hiv educated.
it was YOUR choice to post on this forum.
yep it was my choice. and i appreciate the advice. but here is my advice too- never beleive what you read on a forum. they are great for information, but don't replace doctors.
Then why don't you post in the expert doctors forum then and ask them.
Unprotected penetrative anal and/or vaginal sex
Sharing works with other IV drug abusers
Mother to child
HIV is unable to reproduce outside its living host (unlike many bacteria or fungi, which may do so under suitable conditions), except under laboratory conditions; therefore, it does not spread or maintain infectiousness outside its host.