Needle stick from HIV negative source

[Faith1970]

I think I posted in the wrong forum, so I am posting here. I really need some support and prayers. I pricked my finger with a 20 gauge needle after inserting an IV. The patient tested HIV negative and was Hepatitis C positive. I did not receive PEP. I consulted the PEPline and spoke to the physician about risk of HIV. He went over the things that make it a risk like depth of needle stick, volume of blood visibly seen on the needle, and the patient's HIV negative status. I was breastfeeding at the time, but stopped until I received the patient's negative HIV result. The physician at the PEPline said I could resume breastfeeding. The guidelines state that it is not necessary to determine if source is in the window period and that no source person has transmitted HIV to a healthcare worker in the window period to date. I hope I am not the first one. I pray I am not the first one. The guidelines also state that no further testing of exposed person is required if source tests negative for HIV. However, my hospital tests anyways. I had my 6 weeks test and it was HIV negative. I had my 12 week test yesterday and waiting on results. I was confident with my negative results as 6 weeks, especially since the patient was HIV negative, but my baby developed an upper respiratory virus with ear infection and fever. After the fever subsided, she developed a viral rash that lasted 2-3 days. Of course I googled symptoms and became scared she was in ARS because of the rash. I spoke to the nurse practitioner of my fears that saw her when she was sick and she told me not to worry. I can't stop worrying. I am afraid I have made her sick. I know that 95% of people test positive in 4-6 weeks and that the vast majority of people have detectable antibodies in 21-25 days, but I keep thinking what if I am in the 5%? Please say a prayer for me.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Unfortunately, you need to talk to your primary care provider AND your pediatrician, as we can not give medical advice here at AN.

The odds of transmission of infectious agents via needlestick are slim. However, I know that this is of little comfort when you're on the wrong side of the needle. Please see your primary care provider and follow his/her recommendations as that's the best thing you can do. Also follow the recommendations of your pediatrician regarding your baby's health.

Best of luck.