Possibly stepped on a sharp medical waste
I was walking in the garage of my apartment and felt and heard something crushed by my foot. When I went back and checked, I found something like a needle tip but looked a little different.
After I searched it online, I think it could be a dental endo file (still weird that it's in the garage).
I am not sure whether I did step on it with my shoes (it's canvas shoes with thinner sole) on or not, and I don't think I found a visible would on both of my feet except for an old cut. However, there have been some random pain feelings on my right foot occurring not frequently after that.
Just wondering if there is any risk of HIV transmission that I have to be worried about?
Thanks!
I am glad you reached out when feeling concerned about what you stepped on. We aren't medical experts and can't assess your risk online, but I can provide some information I hope will be helpful.
This is from our article on Myths and Facts about HIV transmission - you can review the whole thing here: https://h-i-v.net/myths-misconceptions "Although HIV cannot live outside the body on its own, it can live inside a needle for several weeks. Some estimates have suggested that under the right conditions, and when not exposed to air, HIV can live inside a needle for up to six weeks.4 This is why sharing needles at any time is risky, regardless of when the needle was last used. Just because no blood is visible on a needle, doesn’t mean that HIV particles are not inside."
It sounds like you are wondering if it is a hypodermic needle, if it cut your foot, and if so, how or when the needle was last used. I would speak to a doctor about the pain in your foot - they may be able to advise you about testing. You can also find nearby testing sites that can access your risk here: https://h-i-v.net/living/testing-locator
I hope this information is helpful. Keep in touch, and let us know how it goes. I hope you have less pain in the days ahead. Take care, Liz (Team Member)Hi
. On top of the excellent information from Liz, I want to note the importance of getting checked by a medical professional so that any other potential medical issues if there did happen to be a puncture can be addressed. I also want to share with you this web site discussing "Needlestick injuries, discarded needles and the risk of HIV transmission:" https://www.aidsmap.com/about-hiv/needlestick-injuries-discarded-needles-and-risk-hiv-transmission. The site is reporting from the U.K., but it notes that "There are no documented cases of HIV infection through contact with a needle or syringe discarded in a public place," as well as discusses the very low overall risk of infection from a needlestick. It also notes, as I mentioned, the need to take precautions against other potential infections. Hope this information is helpful and please know that this community is here for you. Best, Richard (Team Member)
