My Friend Was Just Stuck By A Used Syringe. The

Posted on Mon, 16 Nov 2020

Question: My friend was just stuck by a used syringe. The user of the syringe is unknown but is likely an illegal drug user. He was stuck in the finger just enough to form one drop of blood. What should he do?

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need stick injury after care

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for trusting us with your health concern

There is no need to panic. The risk of transmission of infections like HIV, Hepatitis B is very minimal as these viruses cannot survive outside the human body for long.

Wash the area around the puncture using soap and warm water. Do not squeeze or rub the area around the puncture.
Apply antiseptic ointment like Neosporin if available and cover with a band-aid.

Follow up with your primary provider or urgent care to get the Tetanus, Hepatitis B vaccinations. Your doctor can also assess the need for any other additional risk for infection and the need for antiviral therapy (which is unlikely in your friend's case given the history provided). Sometimes psychological support and counseling are needed after such an incident.

Hope this answers your question
Please address additional questions here
'Regards
Dr.Lekshmi Rita Venugopal

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad