HIV from scissor cut at barber shop

[ravikishan]

Sir

On 18th March 2013, i got a cut from scissor on my ear from a barber shop. Cut was very small and hardly one drop of blood come out of it. The barber immediately put some alum and after shave lotion on the cut.

My worry begins when after 2-3 days i got sore throat and little flue, fever and body pain. I think scissor used was not cleaned before use but i am sure that said scissor was not used on anybody for atleast 10 minutes before used on me.

Now i would like to ask:
1. Can a person get HIV from said incidence and do i need to get HIV test ??
2. Can HIV symptoms begins in 2-3 days time ??
3. Have you come across any case in your long carrier where a person got HIV from similar situation??

I am worried, not able to concentrate on important things because of this incidence. Plz help. Plz give brief reasons for your opinion.

I have read a lot about HIV in last couple of days but not able to convince myself. Your reply on my specific situation as mentioned above will surely help me.    

Thank You

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to our Forum.  I will be happy to address your question.  It is a question we have answered on this Forum many, many times before.  Both statistically and based on the experience of years of study I can tell you that there is no risk for HIV from the events you describe and that there are no cases of HIV transmitted in the fashion that you suggest.  The chance that the person who saw the barber before you had HIV, that they transferred the virus to the scissors, and that the virus was transferred to you is virtually zero and should not worry.   there is no need for concern and no need for testing.

In answer to your specific questions:
1. Can a person get HIV from said incidence and do i need to get HIV test ??
See above- you cannot get HIV this way and there is no need for testing.

2. Can HIV symptoms begins in 2-3 days time ??
Again, no.  the symptoms of HIV do not begin 2-3 days after exposure but typically take at least two weeks to begin.

3. Have you come across any case in your long carrier where a person got HIV from similar situation??
No, I am not aware of any reports of HIV being transmitted under the sorts of conditions that you describe.

I hope my comments are helpful.  There is no need for worry and no need for testing related to the event you describe. EWH

[Edward W Hook, MD]

If you wish to test at 4 weeks to prove that your no risk event did not make you the first person to catch HIV that way, you should test with a test for both the HIV p24 antigen and HIV antibodies at 4 weeks after your exposure. The result will be negative and you will have wasted the money you spent for testing.

This will be my final response.  Further questions will be deleted without comment.  If you want to do something about yoru current concerns, I suggest you talk to a counselor who can help to to address yoru unwarranted anxiety.   EWH

[ravikishan]

Sir

Thank you for giving all the assurance above. I know you are 100% correct but to calm by anxiety i think i should get tested.

Need your help in deciding the method of testing considering most accurate results within 3 to 4 week exposure time.

1. Should i take p24 and antibody (elisa) between 3 to 4 week time?? What will be the ideal time for this combined test or should i take p24 at 3 week and antibody at 4 week ?? What is the possibility of false positive??

or

2. Should i go for PCR?? In that case, PCR NDA or PCR RNA ?? What would be the ideal time for these tests ?? What is the possibility of false positive ??

Also like to mention that i live in India. Suggest tests that are  more reliable at 3-4 week time.  

Thank You so much.

[ravikishan]

Thank You Sir. I got the point.

Thank You

[Edward W Hook, MD]

No change in my opinion- still no realistic risk.  You are not going to be the first person to acquire HIV in this way.

I think you are incorrect about testing- we regularly recommend testing and believe that testing for STDs, including HIV is a good practice for individuals who have new or multiple sexual partners.  Such testing depends on how many partners and who they are.  On the other hand, we also get many questions from people asking about testing related to events which did not put them at risk such as yours, such as condom protected sex, or following previous testing.  In these instances when there is no medical reason for testing, we tell our clients.  Mis-understanding about HIV and how it is transmitted is widespread and the virus is not as easily spread as many peole have been led to believe.  EWH

[ravikishan]

Sir

Thank you for giving so much surety. That was such a relief.

I think the time gap of minimum 10 mins and amount of cut (small cut) ruled thinks in my favour. In India barber shops do not keep good standards of cleanliness which is the major reason for my concern.

Will there be any difference in your opinion if:-
1. Scissor was used immediately after used on somebody else?
2. Scissor was used after 1 hour after been used on somebody else?

(assuming the earlier person was HIV+ and also gut cut from same scissor)

Does this between time makes any difference even if the cut size is so small?

I have also seen so much posts you have addressed and hardly seen any post in which you have suggested for testing for HIV. What was the reason for that?? Are people too scare of getting HIV that they ask questions out of fear and without any actual risk like me ?? Or HIV virus spread is not that easy ??    

Thank You Sir