Possible HIV exposure?
These may be really stupid questions but I’m curious if I am at risk for HIV. I work in a correctional facility and Had two occasions where I came in to contact with an inmates blood.
1. This inmate was covered in bloody clothes. I changed him into a new uniform and discarded the old one in bio bag. I had gloves on while doing this.
2. I had gloves on as well. An inmate needed to get his blood sugar tested. The nurse pricked his finger and took his sugar. When I took him back to his cell I un cuffed him. My hands never touched his finger when removing the handcuffs. After I did that I took my gloves off briefly and had to put them back on, but I put them on inside out. I don’t remember touching the blood but am really worried because I don’t know if the guy was hiv positive and I also had a small cut on my hand.
Given these two occasions, what are the chances of contracting HIV? I have some health anxiety and it has been worrying me for weeks. Thank you
I'm glad you asked because I am sure it's stressful to be dealing with these questions. It is normal to feel health anxiety like you mentioned, and there is so much misinformation about how HIV is transmitted out there so I hope we can help. It sounds like you are concerned about your skin coming into contact with someone's blood on two occasions. The five fluids HIV can be transmitted through are breast milk, blood, precum, semen, and anal and vaginal secretions, when they come in contact with a mucus membrane or a cut of your own - more about that here: https://h-i-v.net/transmission. However, HIV is not expected to live for long at all out in the open, making environmental transmission outside the body virtually non-existent. For example, HIV cannot be transmitted through contact with surfaces - more about that here: https://h-i-v.net/myths-misconceptions . Also, gloves are a common precaution for anyone working with others and coming in contact with blood, so it sounds like you were well protected.
That being said, it is recommended that everyone receive HIV testing as part of their regular health care. Have you ever been tested for HIV before? We're happy to provide some resources to help if you are looking to find a place to test or wondering what to expect.
Best,
Liz (Team Member)
Alafia (Peace) Bb92 I would suggest you take LizGreen up on the resources she has provided in her response to your questions. I definitely understand your anxiety and worry. We don't know what we don't know. The only way to get an understanding of your status until you get tested. Please let us know how we can continue to help and support you. Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member)
