Hello,
I am becoming more and more aware that I am possibly having some kind of phobia of HIV, but I would be very very grateful if someone could answer my question.
A month ago, on 1st of August, I had some bloodwork done, and due to me being so nervous during that ocassion, I wasn't completely careful of what the nurse was doing. I noticed just that the needles were not in any kind of plastic bags but they just each had a plastic cap on the top. Could such a needle be re-used on more patients...? Also the little "bottle" which is being connected to the needle when the blood is being drawn (vacutainer I suppose?) , if there was someone's else's blood inside it, could it be a risk of HIV infection that way?
Till few days ago, I have almost convinced myself that I am being paranoid, but since Wednesday, I've been having some mild sore throat without coughing and ocassional diarrhea. I am also worried because the nurse seemed to be in hurry when drawing my blood, she didn't even wear the gloves etc...
I just wonder how much is the possiblity that I could get infected in this way and that my current health 'problems' can be symptoms of HIV?
Should I get tested, and if yes, when..?
Or I rather need a psychological help..? In the last few days, since Wednesday and getting that sore throat, I've been so anxious that it's become even impossible for me to normally sleep, I barely have any appetite either, I have these thoughts everyday basically every hour and I really don't know what to do to stop these thoughts.
I am sorry if someone will find these concerns annoying or unworthy to even answer, but I am really going crazy and desperately need some reassurance...
And am sorry for my possible writing mistakes, I am a female from Eastern European country and English isn't my native language.
Thanks in advance.