HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is one of the very dangerous blood borne pathogens which are transmitted via infected blood, semen, breast milk or vaginal secretions. The danger of HIV infection from an injury from needle stick, open cut, splash of blood or body fluids into mucous membranes is less. Body fluids like tears, urine, saliva and sweat do not transmit this virus, unless there is seen contamination of blood. If you are a healthcare worker, you might have the chance of experience of HIV. However, you are able to protect yourself from the chance by following some tips.

 

Tips For Health Care Workers

 

1. Universal Precautions

 

Your threat of experience of HIV may be reduced significantly, if you universal precautions. You ought to assume that most blood and bodily fluids are infected with virus and use barriers like gloves and goggles, whenever you anticipate to come quickly to contact with blood or other body fluids.

 

2. Wash Your Hands

 

You ought to wash the hands and other post exposure prophylaxis skin parts soon after contacting with blood or potentially infectious bodily fluids. You ought to flush water into the delicate mucous membranes to prevent the chance of infection.

 

3. Handle Sharp Instruments Carefully

 

You ought to handle and dispose needles and sharp instruments during and after use. There are several safety devices that help prevent needle stick injuries. You'll need to discover ways to utilize them properly. Many injuries like cuts and needle sticks occur, while disposing sharps. You ought to follow the proper methods, which include safety disposal of sharps in appropriate containers and labeling them.

 

4. Post Exposure Management

 

If your skin puncture has occurred, while treating or giving care to a HIV patient, you need to wash the location with soap and heated water immediately. If mucous membranes have now been splashed by blood or body fluid, you need to rinse the location thoroughly with water.

 

5. Seek Medical Attention

 

If you suspect that you've subjected to infected blood or body fluids, you need to seek medical attention immediately. When you have a cut or skin puncture, your doctor may advice to get a tetanus toxoid booster. Additionally, anti HIV medication may be prescribed.

 

6. Post Exposure HIV Prophylaxis

 

Your doctor may recommend you to take some medications to minimize the chance of developing HIV. You may need to undergo bone marrow evaluation. Tests will be taken to analyze the function of one's kidney and liver. The tests will undoubtedly be repeated at regular intervals. Early post exposure HIV prophylaxis can lessen the chance of infection considerably. Even when infection occurs, prophylaxis can lessen the growth of virus and slow down the span of HIV disease.

 

7. Follow Up

 

Antiretroviral agents are prescribed for treating AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) brought on by HIV. Followup must evaluate the side effects and complexities brought on by the antiretroviral agents.