Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.
allnurses

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.
Discussion

Possible exposure to syphilis

Hi everyone!

I usually just read all of everyone else's posts, but this time I have a question of my own! I was recently at work and was taking care of a patient with undiagnosed syphilis who had open sores all over their hands. I was wearing gloves, but was unaware that the patient had syphilis. I brushed my nose with my gloved hand. I did wash my face after the patient was diagnosed. Should I be concerned about having been exposed to the bacteria? And is there anything I need to do? I did inform the providers and one of them said not to worry about it, but I just wanted to confirm.

Thank you!

    •

    Featured Replies

    It’s a sexually transmitted disease. So, unless you had sex............

    •
    • Experts

    But I understand your concern, PBRG.

    Over 20 years ago, I had an MVA victim's blood in my eyes and mouth and, more recently, had to wrestle with a psychotic, spitting patient diagnosed with neurosyphilis, so you just want to be reassured.

    •

    Notify employee health. They will know and reassure you.

    •
    • Guides

    There's a thread title that gets your attention....

    •
    12 minutes ago, HelloWish said:

    Notify employee health. They will know and reassure you.

    No, go on the internet and freak yourself out instead of speaking to the proper people.

    • Author
    2 hours ago, Davey Do said:

    But I understand your concern, PBRG.

    Over 20 years ago, I had an MVA victim's blood in my eyes and mouth and, more recently, had to wrestle with a psychotic, spitting patient diagnosed with neurosyphilis, so you just want to be reassured.

    Thank you! Yes, I am currently a nursing student doing a summer internship so I don't have much experience. I read that syphilis can be transmitted via skin-to-skin contact with sores, and I didn't know how concerned to be. I appreciate your kind response!

    1 hour ago, HelloWish said:

    Notify employee health. They will know and reassure you.

    Thank you for the advice! I appreciate it.

    •
    • Author
    1 hour ago, not.done.yet said:

    There's a thread title that gets your attention....

    Haha, I guess it does! :)

    •

    Doubt you caught it, but if so it’s treatable with antibiotics

    • Experts

    Agree with others - contact employee health. Best wishes

    Guest
    This topic is now closed to further replies.
    Go to topic listing

    Currently Reading 0

    • No registered users viewing this page.

    Account

    Navigation

    Search

    Search

    Configure browser push notifications
    Chrome (Android)
    1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
    2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
    3. Adjust your preference.
    Chrome (Desktop)
    1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
    2. Select Site settings.
    3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.