Can You Get COVID-19 from Touching a Wound with an Infected Hand?

Q: Can You Get COVID-19 from Touching a Wound with an Infected Hand?

Hello： The main transmission routes of COVID-19 are as follows： 1. Inhalation of respiratory droplets and aerosol particles containing the virus. 2. Direct splashing of virus-laden droplets onto the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, or nose. 3. Direct conta

Is it possible to get infected with COVID-19 through a wound on the hand?

Hello Doctor: I visited the hospital today, and after using my right hand to grip the outpatient door handle without disinfecting, I then touched a small wound on my left thumb, which is about 0.5 cm in size.
I would like to ask if there is a risk of contracting COVID-19 in this situation?

SS, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/09/05

Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine

Hello: The main transmission routes of COVID-19 are as follows: 1.
Inhalation of respiratory droplets and aerosol particles containing the virus.
2.
Direct splashing of virus-laden droplets onto the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, or nose.
3.
Direct contact of hands with virus-laden droplets or indirect contact with contaminated surfaces, leading to hand contamination followed by touching the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, or nose.
Based on your described situation, the more likely mode of infection is through your hands that have come into contact with the virus, subsequently touching the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, or nose.
Infection through an open wound is relatively rare, unless there is a significant amount of virus exposure.
If you are concerned, it is advisable to perform a rapid test.
The incubation period for COVID-19 is between 1 to 14 days, typically around 7 days.
If you remain asymptomatic and test negative within 7 days, the likelihood of being infected with COVID-19 is extremely low.

Reply Date: 2022/09/05

More Info

When it comes to the risk of contracting COVID-19 through touching a wound with an infected hand, it's essential to understand the transmission pathways of the virus and the nature of the wound itself. COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, primarily spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also spread through contact with surfaces contaminated with the virus, but the risk of transmission through skin contact, especially through a small wound, is considerably lower.

In your case, you mentioned that you touched a doorknob and then your small wound on your thumb without disinfecting your hands in between. While it is theoretically possible for the virus to be present on the doorknob, the likelihood of it transferring to your skin and then entering your bloodstream through a small cut is minimal. The virus primarily requires a respiratory entry point, specifically binding to the ACE2 receptors in the respiratory tract, to initiate an infection.
Moreover, if you immediately washed your hands after touching the doorknob, this would significantly reduce any potential viral load on your hands. Hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infections, including COVID-19. Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water or using hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol can effectively eliminate the virus from your hands.

As for the small wound itself, while it is essential to keep it clean and covered to prevent bacterial infections, the risk of COVID-19 infection through a cut is not well-supported by current scientific evidence. The primary concern with wounds is bacterial infection rather than viral infection. If the wound becomes red, swollen, or shows signs of infection, it is advisable to seek medical attention.

In summary, while there is a theoretical risk of transferring the virus from an infected surface to a wound, the practical risk is very low, especially if you practice good hand hygiene. If you remain vigilant about monitoring your health and observe any symptoms associated with COVID-19, such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, it would be prudent to consult a healthcare professional. However, under normal circumstances, there is no need for immediate concern regarding COVID-19 from the scenario you described.
Lastly, it is always a good practice to keep wounds clean and covered, and to maintain proper hand hygiene, especially in settings where you may come into contact with multiple surfaces or individuals. If you have any further concerns or if symptoms develop, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice and care.

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