mental anguish for being infected with needle of hiv patient


Question:

while my client was taking care of her HIV infected brother in the hospital the nurse disposed of a used needle. My client who was wearing sandals stepped on the infected needle. The needle went deeply into her foot. Now she is suffering from HIV symptoms even though she has not been HIV diagnosed. I would like to know if she could get any disease besides AIDS in the future including a mental disorder. Please refer me an expert related to the problem of a possible HIV death without having the disease. Your prompt response will be appreciated. g!


Dr. Torres' Response:

The risk of acquiring HIV infection from a needlestick is 0.3%; your client should seek medical attention, and immediatly have an HIV antibody test done. Presently there are recommendations by the CDC for post-exposure prophylaxis after needlestick injuries that the physician can implement depending on the nature of the needlestick.