Work place exposure

[mj09]

Two years ago I worked at a mail order pharmacy.  Two separated incidents occurred that still have me worried to this day.  A co-worker of mine bled all over several shared workstations and did not tell anyone or clean up the workstations.  I would say immediately to 5 minutes after, I was at these workstations and got blood on my hands and shirt.  I did not even notice until lunch time when another co-worker asked what was on my shirt, hands, and cheek when we were headed to the time clock.  I have no idea whether the co-worker that bled has hep-C, but if he did, what are my chances of contracting it?  I washed my hands and face and through the shirt out when I got home, but I didn't report it at work and went about my day.  It didn't even occur to me until months later that I could have contracted something.  You also would see, what many thought, were red/brown blood stains on the prescriptions that we handled on a daily basis.  The second incident was when I was opening an envelope and there landed up being a needle inside.  I put my hand in the envelope to pull out the contents and out came a needle.  I don't believe I was pricked.  I took it to my supervisor.  She did not see the need for me to visit a doctor about the incident.  I don't know if I am being paranoid or I should have gone to my primary doctor and been testes for hep c and hiv.  I am going through a very difficult time right now and this issue started surfacing in my mind.  I am sorry if this all seems silly, but I begin working at another mail order pharmacy this month and I am worried once again about possible exposure and contracting something.  Best wishes to all.

[Bill1954]

The virus has only been known to exist on environmental surfaces for up to four days, and in most scenarios, not even that. Given that you don’t believe you were injured by the needle, and the fact that the likelihood of transmission via needle stick for HCV is 1.8% ,

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/bp_hepatitisc.html

I’d venture you didn’t get HCV from that incident.

Bill

[Rockerforlife]

It may take months until the virus can be detected

[Rockerforlife]

Odds are it was not used.if it was ,whoever sent it needs thier head examined

[mj09]

I don't know if the needle was used or not.  It was in the envelope with the note, upc label, and prescription.  

Thanks, everyone.  I appreciate your responses.  I will get tested after I get my OCD in check.  The OCD is preventing me from getting check out.  

[Rockerforlife]

I thought you meant it was a used one,still tho,even tho its clean,i dont think its a good idea sending sharp objects in a plain envelope,it may open up and stick someone and then on to someone else,be careful ,not trying to scare you but just a thought...BTW...the odds of contracting the virus is pretty slim by your story,first you have to factor in the odds of she even having the disease and then you have to factor in the odds of you actually getting in your blood stream....you odds are really low,i would still get checked ,maybe wear gloves at work

[mj6000]

Just for your peace of mind I would say get tested.I doubt you have a thing to worry about though.

[mj09]

According to the note that was in with the needle, they wanted to make sure that they would be receiving the correct needles.  They had the prescription and the upc label from the box of needles she used.  I don't know why she felt the need to send a needle as well.

[Rockerforlife]

What in Gods name is the sending of needles in the mail?

[mj09]

Thank you for responding.  I do need to have my OCD treated.  I don't have health insurance and have only found a therapist in my area that deals with children and adolescents.  I am working on it, because my OCD is becoming debilitating.  Thanks, again!

[Marcia2202]

There is a very slight chance, IF the person was infected. Have yourself checked, instead of worrying. If I may say and please don't feel offended, I think the most important thing is that you should see a doctor and get your OCD treated.

All the best,

Marcia

[mj09]

I wanted to add that my hands are always chapped and cracked.  Blood could have gotten into the cracks in my hands.