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Expert: Kristen Brannock, MPH - 9/13/2004


Question
Hi,

I went to get some ear rings this morning. Had to test 2 different ones on my earlobe to see if they fit. However, my piercing was only 3 weeks old and hasn't healed completely. When the new ear ring was fitted in, bleeding occured.

My question is : So it possible to get HIV this way ? The ear ring may have been tested several times before me. I did not see any visible traces of blood before i put it on, there is a chance i could have missed.

Do you think there is a course for concern ? Should i get tested ? Thanks.

-Ben-

Answer
Environmental transmission is extremely rare, so chances are that you did not contract HIV from this incident. However, whenever infected blood enters another's body, then transmission is possible. Obviously, I cannot say whether transmission happened or did not, but I can say that is extremely unlikely and I do not think this cause for concern.  

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Kristen Brannock, MPH

Expertise

I can answer questions concerning HIV infection and AIDS. This includes ways it can and cannot be transmitted, how it is treated, how it affects the body and methods to protect yourself. I can also answer questions concerning safer sex and contraception.

Experience

I trained with the Red Cross to become an HIV/AIDS counselor and was a member of CARES- Carolina AIDS Resource Education Service in college. I have an MPH in Health Behavior and Health Education and conduct research in the field of HIV prevention. I also take continuing education courses in HIV/STI prevention periodically.

Education/Credentials
Master of Public Health Health Behavior and Health Education UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health (formerly UNC-CH School of Public Health)

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