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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can I Contract HIV From An Infected Nail?

Hi Doctor, I went into a shoe store yesterday and fitted on a pair of knee high boots. Upon inserting my foot I felt a pin prick in my heel. I immediately removed the boot and noticed that a heel pin (two point pin) was protruding from the inner shoe into the inside that pierced my heel. My question is, can a person contract HIV through this?
Mon, 11 Aug 2014
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HIV AIDS Specialist,  's  Response
Hello,

No, human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) can't be contracted in this scenario, HIV does stay alive outside in the environment for more than a few seconds. But yes, get yourself vaccinated against Tetanus (Take a shot of TT), and take a test for hepatitis B (Australia Antigen ) If the test for Australia antigen comes negative, then take a full course of Hepatitis B vaccination ( assuming that you are not vaccinated against Hepatitis B).


Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Matin Ahmad Khan
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Can I Contract HIV From An Infected Nail?

Hello, No, human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) can t be contracted in this scenario, HIV does stay alive outside in the environment for more than a few seconds. But yes, get yourself vaccinated against Tetanus (Take a shot of TT), and take a test for hepatitis B (Australia Antigen ) If the test for Australia antigen comes negative, then take a full course of Hepatitis B vaccination ( assuming that you are not vaccinated against Hepatitis B). Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Matin Ahmad Khan