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Risk Assessment - Shaving
Doctor,
It's likely that I'm just being my usual paranoid self but this is really eating me up alive. I had forgotten my shaving razor when I stayed at a hotel over 3 weekends ago. The hotel staff brought over a disposable one upon my request. Although not packaged (or sealed), the razor appeared to be new and I went ahead used it. I cut very easily when shaving and there was definitely blood from me in this instance.
My question is what is the likely possibility of contracting HIV in this (worst case) scenario if the razors were previously used by someone who had HIV? Again, the razor appeared unused (and dry) but I didn't really scrutinize it. I heard the disease can't survive very long outside of the human body and it may have been at least 5 minutes after it was delivered to my room before I started using it. Does this warrant a blood test?
Prior to having a family, I would not even bother worrying about incidents as such but once you have, you start thinking of the worst possible outcomes. Moreover, I mentioned this to my doctor and it didn't really help that he told me that he had read that the infection was passed on between two brothers in Australia who shared razors. Although, he said the likelihood of this in my situation is low. Thanks for your time.
Regards.
JD
It's likely that I'm just being my usual paranoid self but this is really eating me up alive. I had forgotten my shaving razor when I stayed at a hotel over 3 weekends ago. The hotel staff brought over a disposable one upon my request. Although not packaged (or sealed), the razor appeared to be new and I went ahead used it. I cut very easily when shaving and there was definitely blood from me in this instance.
My question is what is the likely possibility of contracting HIV in this (worst case) scenario if the razors were previously used by someone who had HIV? Again, the razor appeared unused (and dry) but I didn't really scrutinize it. I heard the disease can't survive very long outside of the human body and it may have been at least 5 minutes after it was delivered to my room before I started using it. Does this warrant a blood test?
Prior to having a family, I would not even bother worrying about incidents as such but once you have, you start thinking of the worst possible outcomes. Moreover, I mentioned this to my doctor and it didn't really help that he told me that he had read that the infection was passed on between two brothers in Australia who shared razors. Although, he said the likelihood of this in my situation is low. Thanks for your time.
Regards.
JD
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Even if used by an HIV infected person, the chance you would catch it probably is less than 1 in a million -- even that is a high estimate. For comparison, the chance you'll be dead of an accident within the next year (if you live in the US) is 1 in 1,756, according to the National Safety Council. That's 570 times higher than 1 in a million.
This is a waste of my time and yours. Stop spending your emotional energy on meaningless risks. But don't forget your seatbelt.
This thread is definitely over. Any more comments and I will delete the entire thread without further comment.
This is a waste of my time and yours. Stop spending your emotional energy on meaningless risks. But don't forget your seatbelt.
This thread is definitely over. Any more comments and I will delete the entire thread without further comment.
I understand. But I would really like to get your insight on the "what if the blade was previously used by..." scenario? Chances? Possibilities? I think it would really help me understand and put this to rest. Thank you.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
The notion that the razor had been used by anyone, let alone an HIV infected person, is ridiculous on the face of it. You are not at risk for HIV or any other blood borne infection from this scenario.
You intellectually understand that your fear is irrational; your problem is a psychological issue that is preventing that intellectual knowledge to translate to the reassurance you need. Teak's reply on the community forum was blunt but accurate. You should speak to your health care provider about this, with the expectation that he will agree that professional counseling is in order. I suggest it out of compassion, not criticism.
There will be no ongoing discussion on this thead. There is no information you can possibly provide that would change my opinion or advice.
Regards--- HHH, MD
You intellectually understand that your fear is irrational; your problem is a psychological issue that is preventing that intellectual knowledge to translate to the reassurance you need. Teak's reply on the community forum was blunt but accurate. You should speak to your health care provider about this, with the expectation that he will agree that professional counseling is in order. I suggest it out of compassion, not criticism.
There will be no ongoing discussion on this thead. There is no information you can possibly provide that would change my opinion or advice.
Regards--- HHH, MD
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