[scarlett35]

Yesterday at the shopping centre I came across some PJ's that I liked.

I went to check the price and on the tag was a kind of medium brown coloured substance which I wasn't sure if I touched or not. I was concerned it was blood but suspected maybe something like chocolate or a hot drink as the coffee shop is just opposite this one.

I stupidly smelt it to check if it was chocolate and the tag accidentally touched my nose. I am now worried I may have inhaled some disease like hepatitis. I know as it was dried, HIV can't be passed on, but I'm really worried I've inhaled hepatitis. My nose is a bit sore on the inside because I keep washing it with soap so I'm worried I've damaged the mucous membranes and given the disease an entry point either from the tag touching me or from breathing the substance in.

I'm trying to think rationally. It didn't really look like blood. It wasn't red in colour at all but I just can't think what else it could be? Plus I know blood turns brown after a while... Even if it was blood, it would have to have been infectious, even if it was infectious it would have to get into my bloodstream, even if it got in my bloodstream it would have to infect me. It's not very likely, but I'm still so paranoid. I don't know why I smelt it and I'm beating myself up incase I've inhaled hepatitis through my nose which is already sensitive from washing it with soap.

I just can't think of any other substance it could be except blood...

How risky is this? Am I being ridiculous? (Kind of hope I am)

I've been googling but there's nothing about the disease being able to travel through the air and infect.

Help! I'm so nervous and worried.

[Yzen]

It is unlikely that it is blood. It could be a stain from coffee, juice, wine, ketchup, grease, oil, or ink....just a few possibilities.

I don't think it is risky.

[scarlett35]

Originally Posted by Yzen

It is unlikely that it is blood. It could be a stain from coffee, juice, wine, ketchup, grease, oil, or ink....just a few possibilities.

I don't think it is risky.

Thank you for replying! I have no idea why I smelt it

I think it could have been anything you're right. I hope I haven't put myself at risk although a big string of things would have to happen for me to become poorly from this.

It's hard to know sometimes how a person without OCD would deal with this type of thing x