Health Care Provider Information
NOTE: Current evidence shows that the risk of transmitting HIV from health care worker to patient, or from patient to health care worker, is extremely small if proper procedures are followed. However, ask your supervisor if additional precautions are recommended for your job. When in doubt, use appropriate barriers. Ask your supervisor if you have any questions. Follow required procedures for your job to protect yourself, patients, and others from any risks. In general, you should follow "universal precautions":
- Don't make assumptions about who is infected. Take appropriate precautions with ALL patients.
- Wear gloves anytime you come in contact with blood, potentially infectious body fluids (such as amniotic fluids, semen, and vaginal secretions), any body fluid containing visible blood, and items and surfaces that may be contaminated. Change gloves after contact with each patient.
- Wear masks, eye protection, and gowns if there's a chance of blood or body fluids splashing. Also, wear protective shoe coverings and other gear if necessary.
- Prevent wounds from sharp instruments and needles. To avoid needle puncture injuries, never recap, bend, or break needles after use. Place used needles and other sharps in puncture-resistant containers.
- Use disposable equipment whenever possible. To reduce the risk of spreading HIV and other diseases, use needles, syringes, and other equipment designed to be discarded after one use.
- Protect open wounds from contact with potentially infectious materials. Properly cover any broken skin surfaces. If you have a skin condition such as weeping dermatitis, refrain from direct patient care and handling patient care equipment (unless you wear gloves and have your supervisor's OK.)
- Wash your hands and other skin surfaces immediately after direct contact (without gloves, mask, etc.) with blood or other body fluids, removing gloves and other protective gear, and handling potentially contaminated items.
- Handle all specimens carefully, since ANY specimen may be hazardous.
- Label all specimens according to the policies of your health care facility. If necessary, use a hospital disinfectant to clean the outside of the container, and place it in a leak proof second container.
- Take care of contaminated articles and infectious materials, according to your facility's policies for reprocessing or disposing of such items.
- Clean up all blood spills promptly using an approved disinfectant. Also clean your work surface anytime it's contaminated by potentially infectious materials and after you've completed your work.
- Stay informed about your health care facility's policies. Follow all required procedures carefully. New discoveries about AIDS may mean changes in precautions necessary for your job. Take part in training programs.
- Dental personnel should wear gloves, masks and protective eyewear if splattering is possible. Treat all instruments used in the mouth as contaminated objects.
- Eye care practitioners should wash their hands after each procedure and between patients. Always wear gloves if you have cuts, scratches, or lesions on your hands.
If you are exposed to HIV as a health care worker under circumstances that could create a significant risk of infection, you may want to seek immediate treatment that could prevent infection. Such treatment must be initiated as soon as possible after exposure and NO LATER THAN 48 to 72 hours after exposure. Contact appropriate personnel immediately in the event of such an exposure.
Protective Measures for Postmortem Care Providers
Medical examiners, funeral directors, and embalmers should have proper training and follow all required procedures. In general:
- Wear all necessary protective apparel (gloves, waterproof apron, protective eyewear, and gown) to avoid contact with blood and other body fluids.
- Clean work surfaces, floors, and instruments after spills and when work is completed. Use an appropriate disinfectant.
- Properly dispose of infectious waste, including gloves, aprons, and other used items, following your facility's required procedures.
- Wash hands immediately if contact with blood or other body fluids occurs. Be sure to contact a physician for advice. Always wash hands after completing your duties.
Protective Measures for Professionals who Provide Emergency Medical Care
These workers include police officers, prison personnel, firefighters, emergency medical technicians. If you belong to one of these groups, you should have proper training and follow all required procedures. In general:
- Follow universal precautions. Treat all bodily fluids as potentially infectious.
- Put on gloves and other protective apparel before giving care if there's a risk of exposure to blood or other bodily fluids.
- Have disposable airway equipment or resuscitation bags available.
- Wash hands after removing gloves and other protective apparel, and whenever hands come in contact with any body fluid.
- Report accidental contact with any body fluid.
What if a co-worker is infected with AIDS?
Keep your knowledge confidential and be supportive. Treat him or her the way you'd want to be treated if you had a serious illness. Remember, HIV is NOT spread by casual contact.
What if I'm afraid of caring for someone with AIDS?
It's common to have some fears about AIDS. However, it's your responsibility to give quality care to everyone. Discuss your concerns with your supervisor or other workers who have cared for people with AIDS.
Where can I get more information?
Ask your supervisor, local or state health department (in New York City, call 1-800-TALK-HIV), or local AIDS organization. You can also call the:
- US Public Health Service Hotline 1-800-342-AIDS
- National AIDS Information Clearinghouse 1-800-458-5231
Progress against AIDS is being made!
It's up to you to:
- understand what is known about AIDS
- take all necessary precautions for your job
- be alert to new developments in AIDS research.
It makes sense to be informed about AIDS.
For more information about HIV/AIDS, call 1-800-TALK-HIV.
