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HIV transmission from cut

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some.person

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HIV transmission from cut
Posted: 06-18-08 16:55pm

Hi,

I have been confused about a lot of things and information regarding the transmission of HIV that is present over the internet. Most of it is sometimes confusing and scary. Some sites make you scared about every little incident, while some just say "NO RISK" to almost all situations.
I've thus come to you to seek help and I believe that you would provide the most concrete/authentic information that is present with respect to HIV and its transmission.
Also, I would like to thank in advance for the work that you people are doing and the help that you are providing to people like me.

I live with a person who is HIV+. I share a household with this person. Now, I've had a few scares in the past and am worried about a few things right now.

Yesterday, I came home and went directly to the kitchen to eat food. Accidently I cut my hand from something. I do not remember exactly with what I cut my hand, but most probably it was the kitchen knife that was lying on a slab on the kitchen. I forgot to check whether there was blood in the knife or not. But now this incident has started to worry me as I heard my friend saying that he had also cut himself with the knife. Now, two more things that I can tell you about this incident are:

1. The cut on my finger was very small. In fact it did not bleed much, but blood was visible through the cut and it pained (like when you cut yourself). Also, if you squeezed, then blood came out. It was a small cut.
2. The knife had been lying untouched for atleast 5 minutes.

Was there a risk of transmission...? Should I get tested...?
I tried to read about this extensively over the internet. Some sites say that there is a very real risk of transmission in these types of cases. Others, however, would classify this under an environmental risk and hence state that the risk was essentially zero.
Was this an environmental risk. If yes, then why are people always warned against using sharp instruments.
Why should one not share razors/toothbrushes with someone who is infected with hiv...?

Also, a few days ago I got another small cut on my leg. I just do not know how I got it... it just was there... could this be a route for transmission. Also, I live with this person and also perform household chores with this person. Sometimes I may hit/brush against some object and injure myself. The other person may also have just injured himself with the same object... as it happens when you're moving something heavy etc. How much risk of transmission would be there in those cases.
Also could you please elaborate your answers just a little... beacuse most of the sites just answer that HIV is not spread by casual contact without addressing the particular situation.

Specifically, should I get tested for this knife cut incident.

Thanks in anticipation,
some.person
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homerx

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Posted: 06-18-08 17:53pm

I think you may need to find a new room mate. I hate to say that but with your OCD focusing on HIV I don't think you are going to be able to let this go. I have spoken with you on this subject at least 3 other times and its OCD, not HIV that has a grip on you. I am really sorry but that does seem to be the case. You can not get HIV unless you share needles or your cut and his cut are connected. HIV dies outside the body within seconds. It cant live on a knife or toothbrush or anywhere that has air...its imposable. Thats why I think you may need to reconsider whether you can live with a person who is HIV+. It doesn't make you a bad person. It just makes you some one who should probably live alone or with some one else who isn't HIV+. Maybe you should talk to your room mate about all this and see what he has to say about it. He may think it best that you two not share a house either since you are constantly focused on his virus. You could still be friends and go out and have fun together but at least you wouldn't be so focused on HIV transmission. Does that sound like something you might consider?
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homerx

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Posted: 06-18-08 17:58pm

deepbreathe wrote:
HI,

Sorry for your feelings. I have OCD myself. The best thing to do is go to therapy and not to be embarrased by it.

I did and although yes I'm embarrassed at times if someone where to make fun of me I wouldn't have a problem explaining my thoughts to them Smile

One MAJOR tool my doctor has told me; OCD is always wrong. My OCD came from me seeing say a knife in the kitchen and thinking "You better not pick that up and stab someone" stuff like that.

My Doctor told me that people with OCD think these horrible things because of the "Imp of the Mind". Basically a defense function that pressed buttons till it finds something that annoys you.

He also mentioned tow things that helped:

People with OCD are less likely to be violent by far then people without it. Meaning the fears are extremely wrong

And

If you think you are going crazy you ARE NOT CRAZY. CRAZY people don't think they are crazy.

I know I thought I was going crazy and my doctor said "well at least I know you aren't crazy"

Therapy be it with or without drugs is the way to go. Also, meditation/yoga/exercise may help.

DON'T GOOGLE SYMPTOMS!!
respect
This was in response to your post on the Anxiety forums...did you read it?
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