How to Protect Health Care Providers From HIV

Health care providers have been exposed and infected with the HIV virus since the beginning. Working with HIV infected patients carries serious risks but following careful safety procedures and paying attention to details considerably minimizes the risks. According to Avert.org the HIV infection rate for health care providers is 3 percent, which is relatively low. This is due in large measure to diligently following the rules and regulations health care facilities put in place for working with HIV patients.

Instructions

• 1

  Wash hands and other skin surfaces after contact with HIV infected patients.

• 2

  Wear protective barriers. This include masks, eye protection, gloves, gowns and aprons. This protects the health care provider against possible infection from blood and body fluids splashing them. Protective clothing should be changed after contact with a patient.

• 3

  Prevent wounds from needles and sharp instruments. The primary source of HIV infection among health care workers comes through wounds from infected instruments. Dispose of all needles or sharp instruments properly once they have been used,There should be a puncture and liquid proof container for used needles in all patient care rooms.

• 4

  Promptly clean up all spills of blood and body fluids. Use an approved disinfectant. Also clean your work area if it may have been contaminated by infectious materials.

• 5

  Use a waterproof dressing on all cuts and abrasions.