Is is possible to get AIDS from saliva in a papercut??? Help!

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  1. Is there cause for concern?

    • 1
      Yes
    • 9
      No

10 members have participated

Hello fellow nurses and students!

So in clinical yesterday and today we were giving flu and pneumonia shots (it's my first semester). One patient, who we later found out TODAY (after doing a bed and brief change and flu shot on) has AIDS. Yesterday before giving him the shot I took his temp and pulse--no gloves. He was kind of drooling on himself, and some was on the hand I touched for his radial pulse. I'm positive I did it with my right hand, I always do, and yesterday I got a bad papercut on my left index finger (before contacting this patient). I don't think I would have had any contact with that hand and the saliva, and I hand sanitized after, but I'm freaking out now that we found that out. I'm not discriminating, I'm just concerned about my health. I have read it's not possible to get it from saliva, and I called my doctor to check and he didn't think I have anything to worry about, but I'm definitely still worried. Any advice??? Should I get tested just in case?

And yes, I should have worn gloves. He was out in the common area and none were available (the facility is pretty bad with sanitizer and gloves).

Thank you in advance!!

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
I wonder who voted yes? .

The OP... :whistling:

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What does this have to do with the fact that the OP was taking the pt's temp???

Because HIV (AIDS) IS a blood-borne pathogen.

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What does this have to do with the fact that the OP was taking the pt's temp???

Dunno bout you...but if you didn't make them bleed you took the temp wrong :)

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Specializes in ED, trauma.

What does this have to do with the fact that the OP was taking the pt's temp???

Because OP also gave this patient a flu shot.

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Specializes in Forensic Psych.
Dunno bout you...but if you didn't make them bleed you took the temp wrong :)
I like to insert the thermometer directly into the jugular. More accurate that way.
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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
I understand there are people with AIDs. Thank you though. And further we haven't even talked about it yet and I just wanted be sure. I am unfamiliar with the disease and was just asking. Just because it's a pretty bad thing to have. Thank you everyone for being so helpful...[/quote']

Ok...this post has me totally confused...what type of program are you in where you have not discussed microbiology and transmission yet???

Even in fundamentals and clinical lab, standard precautions are discussed, which includes most pathogens and blood borne diseases.

Most of us at least had pre requisites, such as A&P and micro where HIV and AIDS is discussed at length; even when I went through PN school A&P (which I audited because I had taken it already at the college level with a lab) we discussed it at length, as well as standard precautions was covered before we stepped in the clinical site.

I'm just curious....

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I like to insert the thermometer directly into the jugular. More accurate that way.

Core temp? Psh who needs a messy rectal reading...chances are it's contaminated anyway :poop: :no: hahaha

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
Because OP also gave this patient a flu shot.

I had to reread that....working five days a week is surely making my brain fried. :wacky:

I was so focused on the drooling aspect I thought that was the real issue; not necessarily the flu shot.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Ok....the OP asked a question and is new opt the profession.

I am sorry you are upset....you will need to develop a bit of a thicker skin when it comes to patients germs.

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Trust your PCP.

Education is power. CDC - HIV Basics - HIV/AIDS

Here is some information from the CDC....now relax...you will be fine. Thread closed

CDC - Bloodborne Infectious Diseases - HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B Virus, and Hepatitis C Virus - NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic

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