A needle that went into a lyme positive dog also went into me – can I get lyme this way?
Idaho asked:
I work in a veterinary hospital and was going to draw blood on a dog when he jumped as soon as the needle went in. Somehow the syringe flew straight into my knee. Later we saw that he had tested positive for lyme. I believe it’s possible I could get lyme through a ‘shared needle’ like this but I’m not sure. I’m going to ask one of the vets when I go back in today but wanted to check here to see if anybody has any idea. Thanks in advance!
Cher
I work in a veterinary hospital and was going to draw blood on a dog when he jumped as soon as the needle went in. Somehow the syringe flew straight into my knee. Later we saw that he had tested positive for lyme. I believe it’s possible I could get lyme through a ‘shared needle’ like this but I’m not sure. I’m going to ask one of the vets when I go back in today but wanted to check here to see if anybody has any idea. Thanks in advance!
Cher
February 4th, 2010 at 10:11 pm
Gabriela
Yes you can get lyme disease that way. You can get it from a tick, you can then get it from a blood-positive dog. But since it just happened, you should be ok if you go to your doctor very soon and get assessed, get your own blood tests and get treated. Don’t leave it for long.
February 6th, 2010 at 6:43 am
Ela
Even though this is a very unfortunate situation, you are very lucky to be aware of your exposure to lyme disease so early on. Go straight to your primary care doctor and have a blood test done. You will be put on a high dose antibiotic. By getting treated so early, your chances of having any long-term residual effects are very slim.