Stabbed myself with used needle

So.... very random question. I am treating one of my females for an RI. She is doing better but (obviously) hates getting the shots and she is a strong big girl. Last night when I pulled out the needle after delivering the antibiotics (fortaz sp?) she thrashed and I ended up with a needle right into a forearm vein :rage: (just my luck). My question is, is there any pressing danger to any type of infection that I should worry about or go to the doctor for? will I gain super snake powers a la spiderman?

Please, although I appreciate responses, only respond if you have a scientifically based opinion or knowledge (or if you would like to make fun of me, that's totally okay). Pseudo-scientific posts will be mocked and laughed at and you will be shamed publicly, then tarred and feathered and given a copy of Science for Dummies ;)

The risk for infection is probably pretty high from an intravenous stick given the uncleanliness of snakes. I work at a hospital though and if someone is stuck with a needle I think the only immediate reponses are tests for chronic viral infections such as HIV Hep B, etc. Since you dont have to worry about those I would just look out for symptoms and signs of infection at the site. If you notice any of those a doctor visit is necessary.

*Edit*
AFAIK at the hopsital, they do not do any proactive antibacterial treatment, so the key is just to identify any changes or symptoms, if nothing develops then you are probably fine.

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Originally Posted by DJone2

Stabbed myself with used needle. I am treating one of my females .

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Is this code for you and your female friend are doing drugs?http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/s...onfused005.gifhttp://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/s...aughing013.gif

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Originally Posted by Blitzjg

The risk for infection is probably pretty high from an intravenous stick given the uncleanliness of snakes. I work at a hospital though and if someone is stuck with a needle I think the only immediate reponses are tests for chronic viral infections such as HIV Hep B, etc. Since you dont have to worry about those I would just look out for symptoms and signs of infection at the site. If you notice any of those a doctor visit is necessary.

*Edit*
AFAIK at the hopsital, they do not do any proactive antibacterial treatment, so the key is just to identify any changes or symptoms, if nothing develops then you are probably fine.

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The bad thing about immediate tests are that your body doesn't produce antibodies right away, plus the incubation period.

OP, I would just go to the doctors and explain what happened and see what they recommend.

No scientific opinion, but I can say that I grew up in the horse industry and learned to give injections at a pretty young age. I did manage to stick myself a few times while injecting uncooperative horses. I lived, and never got sick, if that is any consolation. Didn't ever go to the Dr., either, because I am genuinely terrified of them (as in full blown panic, needs to be sedated terrified). Though, who knows, I probably exposed myself to some nasty drugs in horse strength, so...

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Originally Posted by Neal

The bad thing about immediate tests are that your body doesn't produce antibodies right away, plus the incubation period.

OP, I would just go to the doctors and explain what happened and see what they recommend.

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You're right, I forgot they test the patient, not the person who was stuck haha, so obviously that example doesn't really hold in this place. But the bottom line is there is no guide. Basically the Dr will either perscribe some broad spectrum Abx just in case, or just tell you to keep an eye out for symptoms or changes like I said.

If you have health insurance, you may have an ask a nurse or ask a doctor hotline. They might be able to answer the question as to if you should go to the Dr. or not.

Man that must of hurt like crazy you said it was okay to poke fun, but hey i've accidentally stuck myself with a needle before but it was one of my moms diabetes needles
always remember to dispose of them properly and legally in a biohazard container ( they are called sharpz containers) because now in my state they have people sort through all the trash for recycling and its bad if they get sticked your not supposed to throw them in the regular trash or store them in anything except a sharps container (used needles) I went to throw away my moms needles she had been using a gallon milk thing and it poked a small hole in it and i got stuck

Definitely going to turn into Snake-Man. Keep an eye out for forked tongues and a desire to chase down rats.

Joking aside though, do keep us updated with what your doctor recommends. I'm sure it's not the first time it's been done and probably won't be the last.

I'm no doctor, but I would raise more concern over a cat scratch than an incident like this.

Cat Scratch Feverrrrrr!

^^ wholeheartedly agree. Cats are wayyy worse. I wouldn't worry too much. There are very few diseases that can affect both species. I'd be more concerned with any bacteria on your skin working its way into the wound. Just keep it clean, toss some triple antibiotic ointment on it, and like everyone says, if it changes/worsens, get a doc to check that bad boy out. And maybe get some safety needles next time :)

References: I've worked in vet hospitals for many years and have a degree in biology.

Wash the wound out with rubbing alcohol, pack it with a paste made of salt and hand sanitizer, and then seal it with Krazy Glue. Like a boss.

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Originally Posted by Mike41793

Wash the wound out with rubbing alcohol, pack it with a paste made of salt and hand sanitizer, and then seal it with Krazy Glue. Like a boss.

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If I ever need to apply first aid to my enemy, I'll come to you first, Mike.

In terms of catching something viral you need not worry. The fundamental differences in biology/physiology between ectotherms and endotherms acts as a host barrier.

In terms of bacteria, your risk is the same as if you had stepped on a nail or something. Most likely candidate infections are Pseudomonas, Salmonella and Staph. aureus. Less likely would be tetanus, Strep. pyogenes and maybe Pasteurella.


Wash the site, treat with Neosporin and keep an eye on it. If it gets inflamed then go to the doctor.

Read my thread I'll be posting in about 20 minutes, you'll laugh.

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Originally Posted by Archimedes

If I ever need to apply first aid to my enemy, I'll come to you first, Mike.

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Thats how i apply first aid to myself, and I'm still alive. :)

I just stabbed my own hand the other night with a needle that I used to inject f/t feeder rats with Panacur 100 for preventative parasite treatment in new animals... I SURVIVED! lol. Nothing happened at all really, just a little itchy from stabbing myself with a needle, but that subsided after an hour or so.

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Originally Posted by TJ_Burton

I just stabbed my own hand the other night with a needle that I used to inject f/t feeder rats with Panacur 100 for preventative parasite treatment in new animals... I SURVIVED! lol. Nothing happened at all really, just a little itchy from stabbing myself with a needle, but that subsided after an hour or so.

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At least now you know your hand is worm-free! ;)

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Originally Posted by Mike41793

I'm no doctor, but I would raise more concern over a cat scratch than an incident like this.

Cat Scratch Feverrrrrr!

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This, and why would you wait and ask on a forum lol? Some where in your mind it said you'll be ok but you wanted to check with the internet. You'll be fine I promise, no matter what any one says on here just look for a infection everyday till healed and slap some neosporin and a band aid on it. Just man mode it imo :strong:

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Originally Posted by BTennant

This, and why would you wait and ask on a forum lol? Some where in your mind it said you'll be ok but you wanted to check with the internet. You'll be fine I promise, no matter what any one says on here just look for a infection everyday till healed and slap some neosporin and a band aid on it. Just man mode it imo :strong:

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I figured the chance was slim, just wanted to make sure there wasn't a rare communicable disease I had never heard of. Although pretty bloody (I think the needle bent as it went into the vein), there hasn't been any inflammation or signs of any infection. I think I'll survive. Although, I was feeding my snakes yesterday and my mouth started watering and I got really hungry.

I am going to go curl up lay down under a blanket in the dark, all this open space and light is making me uncomfortable.

Well communicable implies it can be communicated between people, zoonotic diseases are not readily communicable diseases, maybe the various flus and rabies but not between reptiles and humans

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Originally Posted by Blitzjg

Well communicable implies it can be communicated between people, zoonotic diseases are not readily communicable diseases, maybe the various flus and rabies but not between reptiles and humans

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Well thank you Bill Nye. As GI Joe always taught me, knowing is half the battle.

And like GI Jose taught me, you know enough.