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Avatar universal

HIV from shaking hands- worried

Hi doctors, I recently had to inspect a drug clinic for my job, while there I met two workers and I shook their hands,I do not know their status. I had a 5 day old cut on my index finger and some dry chapped skin on the back of my hand. I did not see any cuts on their hands but I'm worried I could have been exposed if they had cuts and blood on their hands. I did not see any blood. I usually always put band aids on cuts but didn't this time is there any risk? I had another episode 8 months ago after getting stitches and worrying that I was exposed. I had 6 tests all neg. I know I have OCD and I'm working on it. Please help me with this handshaking incident. It's destroying my marriage and family. Should I worry and do I need to be tested? Thank you for your time. Bob
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Avatar universal
Thank you Dr Hook! I apologize. Thank you for the help you've given me.
Helpful - 0
300980 tn?1194929400
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I've already told you there is no risk from shaking hands as you describe, I will not repeat myself.  You need to work with your therapist.

This will end this thread. There will be no further responses.  EWH
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Doctor thank you for your response. I'm really trying to get my OCD under control. I'm taking Zoloft and seeing a therapist. One of my problems is that when ever I don't feel good or something's wrong I equate it to having HIV. Like now I have a small white spot on the side of my tongue and I freak out thinking it's from HIV. When I went to a ENT he said I bit my tongue and it would go away. I'm so tired of this ruining my life destroying my marriage and family. I know I have nothing to worry about, but there are times my mind goes there and I have irrational thoughts. Do you have any other advice? Is there anything to worry about? Thanks again!
Helpful - 0
300980 tn?1194929400
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to our Forum. I will try to help. It is unlikely that the persons you shook hands with had HIV- only about 1 in 10 IV drug users have HIV, at most.  Further, even if one were, there is no risk to you for HIV or for any other blood borne infection which can be transmitted through shaking hands- none at all.  There are no instances when this has even been suggested to have occurred with any element of scientific data to support it.  That you may have had cuts or scrapes on your hands in no way changes this- still no risk at all.  

Please do not let your OCD get to you on this.  No risk.  Your testing proves that you were not infected. There is no reason for further testing either.  EWH
Helpful - 1

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