Hello doctor, I want to ask whether I have got a risk of HIV infection or not from a paper cut in my hand. Where at that time, I did not realize that I got this paper cut and I do not know what activity that caused me got this paper cut. But, I assume that I got this cut by sharp things. However, I am afraid that sharp things surface contain HIV blood and other fluid before I got cut from it. Does that infect you with HIV? After I realized that I have got that paper cut, I just washed that cut with bottled water and wiped with tissue only. Since at that time and place around me, I did not have any band-aid. I let that paper cut exposed without covering it with anything. Due to that condition, I am afraid that since I let that cut exposed, I would have got exposure from any environmental surfaces that contain HIV+ fluid like blood or fluid. Does contacting environmental surfaces that contain HIV+ fluid (like blood, etc.) with current paper cuts in hand infect me? Therefore, please answer my question regarding two things: 1. Can I get infected from getting paper cuts from sharp things that contained HIV+ fluid like blood, etc. 2. Can I get infected with HIV from having contact with environmental surfaces that contain HIV+ fluid like blood, etc., with my finger that has been cut?
Hello. Please note the beveled edge of paper cut do not cause HIV infection as paper soak all blood within seconds and the paper is dry. In a dry medium, no HIV stays alive, so no HIV infection. Your second question is not at all having meaning as by touch no HIV is transmitted. It is not the way of transmission. Only sex or blood infusion or needle prick within seconds when drawing blood of HIV positive patient. So, do not worry. You are safe. No HIV infection is there.