Q119: I have picked a needle up in the street and it has pricked me, what should I do?

Many people are fearful that they will contract HIV from being pricked by a needle. Although it cannot be ruled out, it is unlikely as the virus cannot live for very long once it is outside the human body. However, there are other quite serious diseases that can be caught from needles and it would be wise to consult your doctor or go to hospital within a day or so in order to get advice and have some tests carried out.