Fear of HIV Transmission; How Easy HIV virus transmit? Handles & Washing

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I know this sounds crazy, but it worries me now.

I got tested for HIV today and I’m negative. I was so paranoid seeing others’ blood samples on the table as I was getting blood drawn. I am generally pretty paranoid and over-active imagination.

But I want to ask if I should be worried about taking off my band-aid and washing my hands about 1/2 hour after leaving Cook County’s Core Center. I don’t want to stigmatize others and the center has a floor dedicated to HIV patients.

So my imagination has me worried, thinking someone may have had blood or fluid on their hands…touched the door handles…and then now I wonder if I am at risk by having washed my hands prior to eating after I left the clinic a half hour later.

My pin-prick wound seems to have been closed, but my mind is playing tricks on me. Should I worry about possibly getting infected by taking band-aid off and washing my hands? I don’t think any blood was on any door handles, but seeing some of the peoples’ hygiene and general appearance made me obsess about this now.

going crazy and need some peace of mind…AGAIN.

Answer
Yes. you cannot get HIV this way. The virus is extraordinarily labile and doesn’t survive on surfaces for more than a few seconds. You have absolutely nothing to worry about. It’s a difficult virus to transmit under the best of circumstances.

Answer
Hygiene in all walks of life, not just “those” people. The HIV virus lives a very short time outside the body, washing your hands after touching anything can’t hurt tho, call project inform (1-800-822-7422) or go on their web site, its great place.

Answer
Why don’t you educate yourself about HIV? No you can’t get it from door handles or other casual contact (infinitesimal chance). Stop worrying about door handles and make sure you have no reason to think you may have contracted it in the first place (unprotected sex and/or needle exchanges). Problem solved.

Conclusion
I mentioned I have an over active imagination. I thought maybe there may have been some virus on my hands from touching handles.
I had to wash my hands and took the band aid off before doing so; I wasn’t sure if there is any risk. Like I said, I don’t want to stigmatize, but some of those people just don’t care about hygiene, habits, appearance, life.

One of the country’s best chances for health care reform is prevention and healthy lifestyle. Some people just continue to take risks, smoke, drink.

It was just a draining experience…the people work too slow, unorganized and have an attitude just because I refuse to offer my social security number. Last time I checked, that is for tax paying purposes only. Anyway.. Thanks for advice.