I have found in web that HIV can be transmitted through massive exposure to infected blood through deep open wounds. How about smaller bleeding wounds? Can even small wounds less than one inch be risky?

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Home / Answered Questions / I have found in web that HIV can be transmitted through massive exposure to infected blood through deep open wounds. How about smaller bleeding wounds? Can even small wounds less than one inch be risky?

I have found in web that HIV can be transmitted through massive exposure to infected blood through deep open wounds. How about smaller bleeding wounds? Can even small wounds less than one inch be risky?

Thanks for your question. HIV transmission through blood exposure into a deep open bleeding wounds like you describe could happen in a situation like multiple injuries within a shared space as in a car accident. If a person with HIV is on medications which have reduced their HIV viral load to being undetectable, they cannot transmit HIV through their blood ( or sex fluids). Small wounds or cuts generally heal up quickly and would not be as risky an entry for HIV through blood. If you are concerned about about a particular incident, then consider getting tested for HIV now so you know your own status and at 3 months post the exposure so the test covers the window period.

Let us know if this does not answer your question or if you have any more questions or concerns.
Health Nurse

This answer was posted on April 12, 2019.

This answer was updated on February 7, 2022.