What Happens After a Needle Stick? The Symptoms to Watch For
What Happens After a Needle Stick? The Symptoms to Watch For
What's This About?
Needle stick injuries are a real concern for health workers, but what should they be watching for afterward? This article explores the symptoms and signs to be aware of.
Contents
- Symptoms Following Exposure
- Importance of Monitoring
- Other Potential Infections
Symptoms Following Exposure
After a needle stick injury, health care workers should be alert for symptoms of acute HIV. These include fever, sore throat, muscle aches, and a rash. These signs typically appear two to four weeks after exposure.
Importance of Monitoring
Regular monitoring is crucial after exposure to HIV. Testing for HIV should be done at baseline, six weeks, and four months post-exposure. This ensures any infection is caught early and treated promptly.
Other Potential Infections
Besides HIV, exposure can also lead to other infections like hepatitis B and C. The risk for these is even higher than for HIV, making it essential to monitor for any symptoms related to these infections as well.
FAQs
What symptoms should be watched for after exposure?
Symptoms like fever, sore throat, and rash should be noted.
How often should HIV testing be done after exposure?
Testing should occur at baseline, six weeks, and four months post-exposure.
Are other infections a concern after exposure?
Yes, hepatitis B and C are also potential risks.
When do symptoms of acute HIV appear?
Typically two to four weeks after exposure.
Wrapping Up
Monitoring for symptoms is key to ensuring early detection and treatment of any infections.
Additional References
- Henderson DK. JAMA 2012; 307:75.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HIV Risk and Prevention: HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP).
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.