Freaking out! Exposed to HIV

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in Quality Nurse Specialist, Health Coach.

Last night I was drawing some blood out of an IV, I took the syringe off and placed in down on the bed. When I did, blood at the end of the syringe splattered onto my chin and lips, and possibly my mouth! When it happened, I wiped my mouth off on my shoulder finished with the patient (he didn't see this happen) and went outside to wash my face with soap and water. I reported the incident and the coordinator then asked the patient to give a sample of his blood for testing due to an employee exposure. He refused at first and seemed to be very anxious, the coordinator was able to talk him into it finally. It came back positive (they tested it twice to be sure)!:eek: Now I have to take anti-retrovirals for a month to prevent conversion and you all know the side effects they can cause :cry:. I know that it was a small amount of blood, but I'm still nervous. Does anyone have any stories or some encouragement? I sure need some right now!:sniff:

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I'm so sorry this happened to you. I know one person who did the treatment and she said while it made her feel kind of physically yucky it really helped ease her mind. My two cents are that the chances of it being transmitted by such small amounts in an isolated incident is rare so I bet you are just fine but of course I would do the treatment as a little insurance. Hang in there. Hugs, Jules

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You won't get HIV. Honest. It isn't that easy to get.

:)

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hugs to u

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Specializes in Emergency, Occupational, Primary.

Sue's right. Yeah you should take the retros just to be sure, but it's astronomical odds that a small splash to your lips would cause you to seroconvert. The latest studies in HIV transmission to medical workers shows the vast majority had an exposure to a very large amount of blood. Doesn't sound like that's your situation.

I know it's nerve-wracking, been there myself. Hang in there!

Equusz

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of course you're going to take the treatment...

you wouldn't have peace of mind, otherwise.

that said, i'm really sorry this happened to you...

but am glad that such a treatment exists.:icon_hug:

leslie

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Please take the antiretrovirals. It will give you piece of mind. I'm so sorry this happened to you. I stuck myself when I was pregnant and I freaked, so I know how you feel. Everything will be fine. Hugging you right now :)

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Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.
You won't get HIV. Honest. It isn't that easy to get.

:)

i agree.

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Specializes in ER.

I was stuck as well as a fairly new nurse- no safety needles at my hospital then. I took the whole cocktail for several weeks. The meds made me nauseous for the first few days and then it became better. That's when I first discovered the joys of dramamine! My pt was a hemophiliac and had hundreds of transfusions in his lifetime. My exposure was small- it was after a saline flush- but it was worth the nausea for the peace of mind.

The other posters are correct, your risk really is miniscule, but you will feel better in the long run if you take the meds.

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Specializes in Cardiac care/Ortho/LTC/Education/Psych.

I am sorry for your situation. I was exposed twice - once with needle and second time pt coughed blood onto my face ... yes, I cried , and I wanted to do God knows what but it went OK.

So, I pray for your peace and believe that there is a small chance for anything to happen but it feels bummer does it?

Good luck my dear fellow where ever you are!!

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What they're saying is correct. Unless you had an open sore in your mouth you should be fine... Take the antiretrovirals and keep getting tested!

The positive spin about HIV is they've taken it off of the instant death termed viruses and it is now considered a 'chronic' infection. People are living and living WELL 30 - 40 years on the current medication regimes!

Take a nice deep breath and go for a run. You've got nothing to worry about!

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Specializes in GSICU, med/surg.

I was exposed to blood from my patient into my eyes. I was trying to loosen a bandage wrapped with kling wrap with saline as blood oozed to the outer wrap, and it sprung loose when I tugged and up came the fluid. I can't say I know how you feel but I was very frustrated at myself for what I did and what it could impose on my health. The mouth has a very very low, NIL, transmission rate, it would be like kissing someone with HIV. Although you may experience some grief with the medications, its taking one for the team for the long haul. I know you will be just fine, just hang in there.

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