Scratched

[worriedguy01]

Hi Doctor,

Sorry for my bad English. I´m from São Paulo, Brazil. I have a lot of fear of HIV. A lot.
Five days ago I went to a Brothel  and drink a lot. I´m not a IV Drug Use and I´m straight.
In that place I didn´t have sex of any kind (oral, vaginal, anal, etc..). I only hug some girls and dancing with them.  I always stayed full dressed all the time.
The next morning I saw 02 scratches (not so deep) on my back with a dry blood (I think it´s mine). I freaked out in the same minute. Today the scratches are cured.
I don´t remember what or who scratched me. I saw my shirt and didn´t see any blood on it. Nothing. The shirt was clean.
I talk to my personal doctor. He said to me “Forget It”.
Knowing what you know, what do you say about this? (This situation put me at risk?)
Thank You.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to our Forum. Agree with your doctor, there is no risk from the activities you describe and no matter who scratched you, there is no risk for HIV from such a scratch.  You do not need to be concerned and do not need to be tested.

As a side note, I would add that if your drinking is at a stage where you cannot remember events, you have a problem with alcohol that, over time, could seriously impact your health in a negative manner.   Please consider getting help with this problem.  EWH

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Glad to help. take care. EWH

[worriedguy01]

Hi Doc.

As you predicted my HIV DUO TEST (4th generation) after 28 days is negative.

HIV1: (recombinant and synthetic peptide)
HIV2: (synthetic peptide)
Monoclonal antibody against p24 antigen

NEGATIVE

Thank you for your attention. You are a very good person.

Continue your great work helping people like me.

A huge hug....Bye.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Yes.   EWH

[worriedguy01]

Doc,

Tomorrow i will test after 28 days with a DUO Test. I´m very anxious!!!

Could i expected a negative result?

[worriedguy01]

Hi Doctor,

I just received the test result after 02 weeks.

Recombinant Antigens GP41 (ENV) and P24(GAG) HIV-1.
Recombinant Antigens GP36 (ENV) HIV-2.
Especific Antigen O Group.

NEGATIVE.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

This will be your last answer.  You are asking the same question again and again in slightly different ways.  No matter how you ask it the answer will be the same- HIV is not spread through scratches.  Stop worrying.  EWH

[worriedguy01]

I talked again to my doctor and he said to me that i don´t need to worry.

I think you have more experience than him.

Have you ever seen someone been infected by a unkown scratch?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

You know the answer to that question.  At 2 weeks a standard antibody test would detect a bit over 50% of infections.  The decision to test is up to you.  Is 50% reassruance worth it.  EWH

[worriedguy01]

Tks Dr.

I read in this forum about "What If" scenarios. I´m suffering. My mind always put me in "What if" scenarios.

I know that I´m on "Hiv Anxiety".

Despite the fact that you don´t recommendation be tested, what do you think about be tested at 02 weeks. It´s a good ideia?