I got a tattoo a while ago from a non-professional (I deeply regret it now). A girl 3 weeks before me also had a tattoo from the same guy. She was HIV positive. I know the guy used a brand new needle, how ever, I don't know if he sterilized the rest of the machine. Everyone says he did so I'm really not worried. Also, the CDC website clearly states that no one has ever gotten HIV from a tattoo (and many sites claim it's impossible unless someone with HIV is tattooed and then that exact same needle is used within minutes on another person).
I was in there 3 weeks later (and he had given many more tattoos in this time so a lot of ink would've been through there). What are the odds I got HIV? I mean, no one to date has ever gotten HIV from a tattoo. I'm getting tested regardless. Should I be worrying? I mean, the CDC is clearly saying I shouldn't...and they're like...the highest authority on this. Would you be worrying?
2007-10-31 20:46:14 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Beauty & Style ➔ Skin & Body ➔ Tattoos
Your odds of having gotten HIV are pretty much zero. The reason that you can't get HIV from tattooing is because the HIV virus is very fragile. Exposure to air will kill it in under 30 seconds. The heat from the tattoo machine will kill it instantly.
But sometimes we feel things that are irrational. A million people could respond to your question and tell you it's impossible, but that may not make you feel better.
If you really can't get it out of your head, get tested anyway. Some clinics will test you for free.
2007-10-31 20:59:01 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you are being tattooed by a non-professional, I would not be as concerned about getting HIV (that virus is extremely weak) but certainly Hepatitis B or C.
HBV, for instance, can survive sitting on a machine for a week and passed from person to person. You can't worry about just the needle - it's the way tubes are cleaned and sterilized, how the set up area is maintained - right on down to the ink caps.
What was covered in plastic/barrier film? The cord? The lamp? ANYTHING a tattoo artist touches during a tattoo has to be protected.
Now one of the biggest threats nationwide is MRSA. Trust me, you DON'T want the superbug from a tattoo!
Choose your tattoo artist wisely.
2007-10-31 23:59:18 · answer #2 · answered by tatt_bratt 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It's true that you couldn't get HIV from a needle that had been used on someone 3 weeks ago, the virus can't live that long outside the body.
I don't think you should worry, it's good that your getting checked though for your own piece of mind.
Maybe next time you should use a professional tattoo artist and you wouldn't be so paranoid, (and probably with good reason!)
2007-10-31 20:54:27 · answer #3 · answered by Clementine 3 · 8⤊ 0⤋
Nope. :) you should be fine. and i know you said you regret it now, but i am going to scold you for it still. You were stupid for doing it :) there are professionals there for a reason darling lol.
But its ok, everyone is allowed mistakes and i think you learned well from yours. its 99.99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999% positive that you didn't get it. No worries. I also would be more worried about who he tattooed RIGHT before you and what state they're in... but you should be fine and just be careful next time. Best of luck sweetie
2007-10-31 22:50:57 · answer #4 · answered by Insomniac Tryin to Help 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You shouldn't really worry. If you are certain he used brand new needles and that, then there should be no problem. It doesn't matter if someone who has HIV got tattooed.
But its good you are getting tested anyway. Thats the responsible thing to do.
2007-11-01 00:35:08 · answer #5 · answered by sparkle 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get tested for Hepatitis too. You're more likely to get that from your tattooing situation. People with HIV often have Hep too, but I can't tell you the statistics.
2007-11-01 03:22:36 · answer #6 · answered by CNJRTOM 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I advise u to take a test. One of my friends I meet on a site called positivesingles.com get the disease from a tattoo. If u want to learn more info abou this, I advise u to get on the site to ask them foe help.
2007-11-02 19:16:21 · answer #7 · answered by Tomas F 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
NO i wouldnt worry the needle is the only part of the machine that touchs the body so in no way would u be able to get hiv so dont worry about it.
2007-10-31 20:52:16 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 4⤋
I would not worry, but for you own piece of mind, get checked so you will feel better........
GOOD LUCK to you....and dont do that again...if you decide to have another tattoo, get it done professionally......I feel sure you will....
2007-10-31 21:09:47 · answer #9 · answered by Optimistic1 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No point worrying, just go to the doctor and get it check out!! Meanwhile, if you are in a relationship, stop all activities so that your partner will not be affected. God bless you!!
2007-10-31 20:50:58 · answer #10 · answered by spring 3 · 4⤊ 1⤋