Forum on Opportunistic Infections: JC Virus, needle stick

Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.

		JC Virus, needle stick May 17, 2001 Dear Dr. Feinberg, I have written you before about my husband. He has PML with no other diseases. He has been sick since Dec. 99'. He has been on interferon since June 2000. His last MRI showed no progression of the PML, so he is pretty stable. After giving my husband his shot of interferon (pen type) I stuck my self with the needle, it was deep enough to make me bleed. Obviously I am very concerned. I know it's very likely that I already have the JC virus. Is the risk greater since he has PML?? Would only the JC virus be transmitted. Please let me know in as much detail as possible. I know, I'll be much more careful!! Thank you


Advertisement Response from Dr. Feinberg There isn't enough known about the transmission of JC virus for me to tell you that your risk of getting it is enhanced because your husband has PML, although that certainly seems plausible. The presence of JC virus can be detected using a PCR test, but it may not mean much even if it's positive, since no one knows whether this means that you'll develop PNL or not. Please be careful. Ask your homecare service about safer needle equipment.

Please remember that this forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not engaged through this forum in rendering legal or medical advice or professional services. Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither The Body nor any sponsor is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.

Questions and messages posted to this forum are not statements of advice, opinion, or information of The Body, Body Health Resources Corporation or any sponsor of this forum. While neither The Body nor Body Health Resources Corporation regularly reviews posted content, we reserve the right to delete, move, or edit postings if we deem it appropriate under the circumstances. Visitors submitting questions remain solely responsible for the content of their messages.

Information provided by experts is general only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease, or relied upon as legal or other professional advice. This information is not a substitute for professional advice or care. If you have or suspect you may have a health or legal problem, you should consult your own health care provider or your attorney.

Copyright notice.

Our Mission and Team | Content Policy | Privacy Policy | Advertising and Sponsorship | Link to Us

The Body is a service of Body Health Resources Corporation, 250 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10107. The Body and its logos are trademarks of Body Health Resources Corporation, which owns the copyright of The Body's homepage, topic pages, page designs and HTML code. General Disclaimer: The Body is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services. The information provided through The Body should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, consult your healthcare provider.