Ask a doctor on the topic of General medicine

HIV risk

July 23, 2014 | 25,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Kathrin Hamann

Dear Sir or Madam,

I have a question regarding a risk.

I was a first responder in my neighbor's garden. He injured himself with a saw and I helped him without wearing gloves (very stupid of me) I know.

During this, I came into contact with his blood. I did not have any bleeding wounds myself, but I did have a few small scratches and some skin rubbed off from the garden work. I did not bleed myself.

I am now panicking that I may have been infected with HIV from him, fortunately I am vaccinated against Hepatitis.

Please provide information as I am really scared.

Dr. med. Kathrin Hamann

Hello, I am happy to help you further.

Please do not worry.
Does your neighbor have contagious diseases?
Even if he did, there is no risk of infection if you do not have any open wounds that are not bleeding. Therefore, no pathogen can penetrate your bloodstream and infect you.

But it is also not certain if your neighbor has such contagious diseases.

So please do not worry. Clean your hands thoroughly. Pay attention to your current tetanus vaccination status.

Kind regards,

Dr. K. Hamann