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HIV query please answer
Hello Doctor, Please read my query carefully. I am very much stressed now. I took rabies intradermal vaccine 3days before from a government medical. After took little vaccine and blood came out. The health worker touched and rub my puncture suddenly. He had no gloves. Now i am worried for HIV infection. As they giving many vaccines and RIG to many patients and their hands definitely contaminated with blood. Now i am very much anxious, worried and tensed. My anxiety level is high now. Don't know what i will do. Can i take HIV pep now. Will it affect the rabies vaccine. Now i am worried for both rabies and HIV. Please advise and tell is this possible to get HIV like this.
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Answers (6)

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This situation does not risk for HIV transmission. Simple touch or rubbing on the skin does not transmit HIV, and there is no confirmed high-risk exposure in this case. The main issue here to be anxiety, fear, and overthinking.if you would like complete reassurance, you can visit us. We will take your detailed history, perform a proper examination, and, if needed, advise appropriate blood investigations
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Namastey The situation you described carries negligible to no risk of HIV infection transmission. HIV does not spread through casual contact like touching or rubbing the skin, even if there was a tiny puncture from a vaccine. For HIV transmission to occur, there must be direct transfer of infected blood or body fluid into the bloodstream in significant quantity, such as through a deep needle-stick injury or transfusion. In your case: The injection was done with a sterile needle (as per standard protocol) The brief touch by the health worker, even without gloves, does not provide a route for HIV transmission Exposure to environmental blood (even if present) does not transmit HIV because the virus does not survive well outside the body Regarding HIV PEP, it is not indicated in this scenario because this is not considered a risk exposure. Also, there is no harmful interaction between rabies vaccine and PEP, but taking PEP unnecessarily is not advised due to its side effects and lack of benefit here. Most importantly, your Rabies vaccination should be continued as scheduled—it is lifesaving and far more relevant to your situation.
Next Steps
At this point, you do not need HIV PEP. There is no medical indication based on your exposure. If your anxiety is still very high, you may do a baseline HIV test now and repeat after 4–6 weeks only for reassurance—but medically, even this is not required. Focus on completing your rabies vaccination schedule on time without interruption. Do not delay or skip doses due to this fear. If you notice any unusual symptoms (which is unlikely), you can consult us at 9 3 1 5 6 6 1 5 6 5, but currently there is no sign of risk. If anxiety is overwhelming, consider speaking to us at 9 3 1 5 6 6 1 5 6 5—health anxiety can amplify fear even when the actual risk is extremely low.
Health Tips
Try to calm your mind with facts: HIV transmission requires specific high-risk exposure, which did not happen here. Avoid repeatedly searching online, as it can worsen anxiety. Support your body by maintaining good hydration, proper sleep, and a light, balanced diet while you complete your rabies vaccination. From a holistic perspective, practices like deep breathing, meditation, or light exercise can help reduce stress levels significantly. You are safe from HIV in this situation—your main priority should be to stay calm and complete your rabies protection properly. Thank You
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●𝗬𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘁  𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 . ●𝗩𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗰 ●𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗺𝘆 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 1.5 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗳. ●𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁. ●𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁 𝗺𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲     𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀.
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Take proper counselling to clear ur doubt.. To be safe and sure
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Yes Get tested
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No need to panic most of the health worker are hiv negative . If you are anxious of it go to same health provider and test him for HIV and pay for the test it will provide you relief of your fear and anxiety
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.