Multiple Handshakes with fresh scrape

[meemoll]

Hello --I am an OCD sufferer who has worked hard to overcome HIV fears, but every once in a while I get really overcome by fear.  I had a small fresh scrape on the side of my hand that was reddish and a smear of blood.  At some point I washed my hands.  I forgot about it, did not put a bandaid on it.  I then went to a party where I meet and shook hands with several new people.  One guy shook my hand pretty hard, twice.  Another guy had his leg bandaged up for cellulitis.  

It wasn't until the next morning that suddenly I was overwhelmed by fear that I may have contracted HIV through these handshakes if any of the people also had open recent cuts.

I am so sorry to bother you, but do I need to worry about HIV transmission?  Do I seek PEP or get tested for HIV?  I am trying so hard, but have lots of trouble with my fears.

I am so tired of worrying about this stuff.  I have been in therapy but clearly still have a ways to go.  

[meemoll]

Thanks!!!

[Teak]

No. HIV is unable to reproduce outside its living host (unlike many bacteria or fungi, which may do so under suitable conditions), except under laboratory conditions; therefore, it does not spread or maintain infectiousness outside its host.

[meemoll]

one follow up.  I am assuming the smear of blood I saw on and near the cut on my hand was my own blood.  But if it was from someone else, via the handshakes, would I be at any risk?  Thank you so much.

[meemoll]

Many thanks.

[Teak]

Yes. move along.

[meemoll]

Well I did none of those things at the get together, so I need to let this baseless worry go and get on with life.

[Teak]

HIV is transmitted by;
Unprotected penetrative anal and/or vaginal sex
Sharing works with other IV drug abusers
Mother to child