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 you should seek medical advice as you may need treatment to reduce the risk of getting an infection. For immediate first aid see the advice given by the NHS in Related Information. Then contact your employer's Occupational Health service if the injury happened at work or your GP, NHS 111 or go to the nearest A&E department.