Welcome to the forum. I understand your concern. I'll try to provide some information.
As you point out, the risk of transfer of infection is far, far lower with solid needles than with hollow needles, presumably because infectious materials can be held within the hollow portion of the needle, allowing the virus to live outside the body longer and thus be more likely to cause infection. Others state that infection is not transferred by solid needles. My belief is that while it is theoretically possible that HIV can be spread with hollow needle, if it happens, it will occur VERY rarely.
I would add that if your cousin is on therapy for HIV, this reduces the likelihood of infection by over 95%.
Finally, with respect to what you can or should do, the fact is now, three weeks after the exposure, all that can be done is to wait and test for HIV. There is no role for preventative therapy at this time. My expectation is that your test will be negative when you do test. Results of testing at 8 weeks will provide definitive information. EWH
Dear doctor,
U replied that there is theoratical risk of hiv transmission from hollow needle .
What u meant was theoratical risk from hollow needle or solid needle.
Also I like to add that the needle which went into my finger is solid and not hollow.
So I am still confused is there a risk from solid needle poke or not?
And should I need a hiv test as I had a test 2 months back.
Pls reply I guess you got confused about the needle.
Tk care
Pls reply doc just wanted to know whether solid needles are risk or not
Sorry, I mis-typed the part about solid needles, substituting the word "hollow" for "solid" The sentence should have read--
" My belief is that while it is theoretically possible that HIV can be spread with solid needles, if it happens, it will occur VERY rarely. "
The decision about HIV testing is, of course, up to you. The risk of infection is very small but if you are worried about the possiblity and you think a test may provide you with peace of mind, then perhaps you should seek a test. EWH
A related discussion,
how about for hep c? was started.