Question 1

could i contract hiv or hepatitis from a used needle?

Accepted Answer

Yes.: Please never use needles that have already been used by someone else.  If someone with HIV or viral hepatitis has used a needle previously, and you then stick that needle through your skin, there is a possibility that the infection from the first user will be transmitted to you.  Please always use a clean needle and do not 'share' needles.  Seek out a 'needle exchange program' if you can.

Question 2

is it possible to contract hiv or hepatitis from a used needle?

Accepted Answer

Yes, possible: Yes, it is possible to contract HIV and/or Hepatitis B or C if you are sharing used needles with someone who already has these infections.  This is one of the ways HIV and hepatitis are contracted.  The other way is through unprotected sex.  Would recommend that you get tested for HIV and Hepatitis B &amp; C if you are sharing used needles.

Question 3

could getting stabbed by a used insulin needle cause hiv?

Accepted Answer

HIV: This is possible, but the needle would have had to been used by an hiv+ individual and you would then have had to have used it very shortly thereafter. If there is a major question in your mind you should be receiving prophylaxis and being tested for HIV with pcr for viral rna. Go and see someone with expertise in this area. Good luck and hope all is well.

Question 4

chances of getting hiv if one is pricked with a used lancet needle?

Accepted Answer

Relatively low But: still should get tested  now and in about 3 mos. and use protection in the meantime. Lancets are not hollow so very little blood would be on it if any. Chances are the HIV person is most likely on medication and undetectable/unable to transmit the virus. You should call your MD and ask if they want to put you on PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxsis) or feel you need other tests or vaccines.

Question 5

can you catch hiv from stepping on a needle?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Only if needle is freshly infected with HIV positive blood. Hiv virus does not tolerate very well exposure to environment and dies within minutes to hours. If in doubt get checked.

Question 6

which is more likely to get hiv: from sex or from using needles?

Accepted Answer

It depends: If someone always only uses their own needles and works and never shares (no backloading, etc), they won't get HIV or hepatitis c. If someone always uses condoms with sex and takes post-exposure prophylaxis if the condom breaks their risk is low. So harm reduction is key. Idu is more efficient for HIV transmission than sex, although unprotected anal sex will transmit HIV in 1 of 100 times.

Question 7

can a virgin who does not do drugs or share any needles have hiv?

Accepted Answer

Very unlikley: HIV infection can occur after body fluids from an infected person come into contact with your mucous membranes - mouth, genitals, rectum, etc. Safe sex practices or abstinence as well as avoiding IV drug use can prevent transmission. In the past, people became infected after dirty needles were used in healthcare settings and tattoo parlors or after blood transfusion, but these are rare today.

Question 8

out of 100 what is the possibility to get hiv by poking yourself with a needle?

Accepted Answer

Low: If the needle has hiv-positive blood on it, the risk is about 1 in 300, but you should still get prophylaxis. If not, there is no risk.

Question 9

how come hiv can survive in a needle? is it because it is not exposed to the air?

Accepted Answer

Lives on body fluid: HIV is in cells of body fluid, like semen/blood, and even though blood can be outside dry on a table, if the proper temperature, and other physical conditions apply then the virus can live up to six days. Again it all depend on the surroundings of the virus, not much if it is inside or outside air, but the amount of fluid, temperature, ph of the environment.

Question 10

poked wih needle in butt in train seat don't know needle type. so is there risk 4 hiv do i need testing?

Accepted Answer

Very iunlikely: However , you have risk of infection with common bacteria . If your immunization with tetanus is not up-to-date , you may need one . Make sure if you see any swelling , pain , tenderness and or fever  see your doc . Chances of HIV is very very unlikely . Good luck.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Hiv from used needle

A member asked:

Could i contract hiv or hepatitis from a used needle?

A member asked:

Is it possible to contract hiv or hepatitis from a used needle?

A member asked:

Could getting stabbed by a used insulin needle cause hiv?

A member asked:

Chances of getting hiv if one is pricked with a used lancet needle?

A member asked:

Can you catch hiv from stepping on a needle?

A member asked:

Which is more likely to get hiv: from sex or from using needles?

A member asked:

Can a virgin who does not do drugs or share any needles have hiv?

A member asked:

Out of 100 what is the possibility to get hiv by poking yourself with a needle?

A member asked:

How come hiv can survive in a needle? is it because it is not exposed to the air?

A member asked:

Poked wih needle in butt in train seat don't know needle type. so is there risk 4 hiv do i need testing?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?