Stabbed myself with used needle

[DJone2]

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 (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

[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.

[grcforce327]

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

Is this code for you and your female friend are doing drugs?

[Neal]

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.

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.

[FireStorm]

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...

[Blitzjg]

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.

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.

[FireStorm]

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.

[iknowthetruth]

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

[Archimedes]

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.

[Mike41793]

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

Cat Scratch Feverrrrrr!