Position Document regarding AIDS and Healthcare Practice
AIDS is an Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. No one gets infected with AIDS however; they may become infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus which causes AIDS. One can get the HIV by having sexual intercourse with someone who is already infected with the virus and unknowingly pass it on, drug users who share the same needles, babies who are born to mothers who are infected with the virus, or by drinking the breast milk of someone who is infected, through transfusion and having an open wound which come in contact with bodily fluid of an infected person (AIDS.ORG, 2007).
Nature of the Disease
When someone becomes infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) they may not know immediately, but some people show early symptoms such as fever, fatigue, rash nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you have not come in contact with or expose to the virus some people may think it is the flu. However, if you believe you were exposed to the virus it is better to have an HIV test. HIV is not a “Black Death” because there are so many ways to prevent the infection from spreading by testing blood that was donated and blood products.
Occupational Risk
The risk of being infected with the HIV through precutaneous exposure is very low. Precutaneous exposure takes place through needle stick or from a cut with a sharp instrument contaminated with the virus. Also if a healthcare professional comes in contact with HIV blood or HIV bodily fluid through the eyes, nose, and mouth. If this happens they should wash the area immediately and disinfect if possible, including getting tested immediately and is recommended to take HIV post exposure prophylaxis (HIV ...