Stepped on needle in New York City

[Bentru]

I was walking around New York City with my relatives 2 hours ago. I stepped on something by accident and when I looked down it was a needle. I didn't feel it puncture my sneakers, but I didn't check it good to see if there was blood in it since it was in a crowded area near time square. Am I at risk for any of the hepatitis, hiv or anything else. Should I go to the ER for PeP?

[Bentru]

Last question... is there a difference between the way a diabetic needle looks compared to an illegal drug needle?

[SassyLassie]

Caregiver said it all. I thoroughly agree, keep an eye out for redness and swelling and if noticed see your GP.

[caregiver222]

It would be meaningless to go to the ER or urgent care unless there is an infection. You will go to the absolute end of the triage list, wait seventeen hours and get a $2,000 bill. The liklihood of an HIV infection is very small - perhaps infinitesimal - and in any event it takes six weeks to seroconvert, so getting a test before that time is not helpful. "Going straight to your doctor" will not be helpful. As as "sticking you on some tablets as a precaution" those tablets are toxic and have their own side effects. In addition oral medications do not travel well to the extremities. The chances are this was a diabetic needle. Many diabetics use three or four of them a day, and it probably fell from a pocket. Do check for redness and infection. If there is redness then you will need a physician's consult.

[Bentru]

The main reason I went to my local family doctor office was in case I should be put on PEP.

[antonyhand]

Yes go straight to your doctor and ask for a test it may be nothing but always see a doctor wether the hospital or your surgery as its best to be safe than sorry they may stick you on some tablets as a precaution but don't worry too much about it you will get some answers from the doctors

[Bentru]

They wouldn't do anything for me since I said that I never felt the needle go through my shoe. Do you recommend that I get a second opinion of just trust the doctor?

[PaleoMoxie]

I doubt it punctured your skin through the shoe to do any damage, but i think going to Urgent Care or your PCP can't hurt if you're concerned.