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Accidental Needle Sticks
Accidental Needle Sticks
Overview
Many people worry about getting a disease like hepatitis or HIV from an accidental needle stick. But it doesn't happen often. Most of the time, the person on whom the needle was used doesn't have hepatitis, HIV, or another infection that can be spread that way.
When the person does have an infection that can be spread, your risk level if you are accidentally stuck by the needle depends on:
- How much infected blood you are exposed to.
- How much virus is in the blood. Some people with viral infections have more of the virus in their blood than others do.
Self-care
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following steps if you have any exposure to blood:
Call your doctor right away. In some cases, medicine may help to prevent infection. The sooner you start treatment, the more likely it is to work.
If you get an accidental needle stick:
- Report it right away to the department that is responsible for managing exposures, such as occupational health or infection control.
- Your workplace likely has guidelines that tell you what to do if you are exposed. This may involve blood tests and sometimes medicine that can help prevent infection. Make sure you know what the guidelines are.
Current as of: March 9, 2022
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & H. Michael O'Connor MD - Emergency Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
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