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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are The Chances Of HIV Transmission Through Cuts And Wounds?

Hi Dr. I am a police officer. While assisting other officers in breaking up a fight, I had to control and handcuff a 20 year old female. After everything was over, I noticed that she was bleeding on her hands. I also had minor nicks and scrapes that were bleeding on my hands as well. I believe that her blood came into contact with both my hands my clothing. I washed my hands with soap and water afterward and washed my clothes. If she were to have HIV or Hep C, would I be at a high risk for contracting either? Assuming that her blood contacted mine. Thank you.
Mon, 13 Apr 2015
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Orthopaedic Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello Police officer,
i have read your query and i understand your concern

HIV enters the body through open cuts, sores or breaks in the skin; through mucous membranes. Healthcare professionals have been infected with HIV in the workplace, usually after being stuck with needles or sharp objects containing HIV-infected blood. HIV cannot be transmitted through day-to-day activities such as shaking hands, hugging or casual kissing. You cannot become infected from a toilet seat, drinking fountain, or sharing food or eating utensils with someone who is positive.

If her infected blood got in contact with deep scrapes of your hand then you are at a risk of getting infected.
but since you mention that they are minor nicks and scrapes, the more the scrape or the nick extends deeper in your skin the more you are the the risk of getting infected.
Please keep your wounds covered.

Hepatitis C is also spread when blood containing the infective agent reaches inside your body.

if these injuries arent deep enough then you are likely to be safe from getting infected.
Talk to your doctor while showing him the nicks and scrapes of your hand to asses your likelihood of contracting the disease.

Take Care!
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What Are The Chances Of HIV Transmission Through Cuts And Wounds?

Hello Police officer, i have read your query and i understand your concern HIV enters the body through open cuts, sores or breaks in the skin; through mucous membranes. Healthcare professionals have been infected with HIV in the workplace, usually after being stuck with needles or sharp objects containing HIV-infected blood. HIV cannot be transmitted through day-to-day activities such as shaking hands, hugging or casual kissing. You cannot become infected from a toilet seat, drinking fountain, or sharing food or eating utensils with someone who is positive. If her infected blood got in contact with deep scrapes of your hand then you are at a risk of getting infected. but since you mention that they are minor nicks and scrapes, the more the scrape or the nick extends deeper in your skin the more you are the the risk of getting infected. Please keep your wounds covered. Hepatitis C is also spread when blood containing the infective agent reaches inside your body. if these injuries arent deep enough then you are likely to be safe from getting infected. Talk to your doctor while showing him the nicks and scrapes of your hand to asses your likelihood of contracting the disease. Take Care!