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Is there a chance of me getting HIV infected?
Tuesday, 18 July 2006
Answered by: Dr. L.M. Nath
Consultant, Community Medicine,

New Delhi
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Q. How much time does it take for a person to know that he is HIV positive? Actually, while getting a hair cut I had a blade cut above my ears. This was at a posh saloon but I have a doubt that the person cutting my hair was HIV positive. If I had a cut and he too did the blood came in contact – is there a chance of me getting infected by it? I am going crazy thinking. Kindly advise.

A.  If it was a new blade, not used before, and if the barber concerned was not dripping blood from a fresh wound, I do not think there is any chance that HIV transmission could have occurred. If you are not convinced then get a HIV test done. The usual ELISA test can not give a meaningful negative report in less than 12 weeks and better still in 24 weeks after the potential exposure. If you want an earlier test check with your doctor if a PCR test is available in your town. I do not think that you need to worry.

A.  If it was a new blade, not used before, and if the barber concerned was not dripping blood from a fresh wound, I do not think there is any chance that HIV transmission could have occurred. If you are not convinced then get a HIV test done. The usual ELISA test can not give a meaningful negative report in less than 12 weeks and better still in 24 weeks after the potential exposure. If you want an earlier test check with your doctor if a PCR test is available in your town. I do not think that you need to worry.
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