Expert: Terry B - 3/21/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi,

This incident happened at a seedy dance bar in Dubai a couple of days ago. I was drunk at the time I went to this bar. While waiting for my drink I picked up a verbal fight with the manager of the bar as he was rude and bad tempered. After some time he came up behind me and was standing there. He wanted me to pay a girl on the stage some money which I refused. I felt a sharp tinge on my hand a while later when I stretched my hand behind me. I checked my hand and it hurt but was not bleeding. I left the bar 10-15 minutes later. I checked my self after I reached home and did not find any noticeable cuts in my hand or other parts of the body. Now I am concerned that that person might have pricked me with a HIV-infected needle. The place where I went is where all sorts of people come and where prostitution goes on. It is basically a pick up joint and the person looked to me to also be a pimp. What are the chances of me catching HIV? Is infection in this way possible? Would there be blood if someone poked me? Even if I was drunk wouldn't I notice a prick?

The scenario that I play again and again in my mind is this…
The person contracted HIV which pissed him off and he wants revenge on society at large. So he goes around with an infected needle in his pocket or draws blood in the bathroom when he sees a new prey. I then pick up a fight with him and he gets his revenge by poking me.!!Phew!!

Am I being paranoid?

Please advise as I am scared to death!!

Regards

Viv

ANSWER: Dear Viv:

Peace.  A seedy dance bar in Dubai?  I didn't know such things existed!  A beautiful city that I've not seen in seven years - but I digress.  

A sharp tinge in your hand may have been caused by many things; there was an urban legend years ago about someone infecting people with a contaminated needle - no doubt this plays on fears of HIV and its transmission - yet such an incident is a legend, not a fact.  While HIV can be transmitted in the sharing of needles when one person is infected, the chance of transmission in such an incident as you describe is small.

Simply, when persons sharing needles inject drugs into their bloodstream, they often draw a bit of their blood into the chamber of the syringe to mix blood with the drug before reinjecting; this contaminates the syringe and needle, and allows HIV to be transmitted to the next user.  I assume that you would have noticed more than a slight "tinge" in your hand if someone had pierced your skin with a needle and injected you with fluid, even if you were intoxicated at the time.

Among the thousands of needle-stick injuries incurred by health care workers treating persons known to be HIV infected since the beginning of this epidemic (25 years ago) very few - probably less than 100 - have resulted in infection, and these usually also involved exposure to noticeable quantities of blood.  Nevertheless, in an occupational setting, a needlestick is considered a significant exposure - but I speak from personal experience when I say you would definitely have noticed such an event (ouch).

I always advise that people be tested to know their HIV status; your doing so now and in eight weeks or so will help you with peace of mind in knowing your status.

Again, peace, and enjoy Dubai.

Terry

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Terry,

Thanks for your help and information!! I do feel very relieved now. I guess I was being a bit paranoid about this incident! I usually do not go to such sleazy places and I in fact have an irrational(?) fear of being pricked by needles in such type of places (do not know why though?).

I just wanted to ask one more question. Hypothetically speaking in case my worst fears did come true and in fact I was pricked by an HIV infected needle,according to you there is a very small chance of being infected...right?

Thanks

Viv

PS: Dubai has expanded a lot over the last few years and there are plenty of such types of places!!

Answer
Dear Viv:

Salaam Alakum.  Yes, as I said, the chances of enough intact virus present in the tip of a needle that didn't penetrate enough for you to feel it as a needlestick injury (a "twinge") is very low.  Suggest you find some nicer places to have fun.  All the best.

Terry