Health Care Workers: Preventing HIV Infection
HIV is spread from person to person through body fluids. To prevent the spread of HIV infection, follow CDC infection control guidelines that you were taught in school or your health care facility. These guidelines are there for your protection.
Use CDC Guidelines
Review and follow standard precautions and your employer’s policies. Below are general tips based on the CDC guidelines. They can help protect you from HIV.
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Wear gloves any time you may contact any body fluid (except sweat), mucous membrane, or broken skin. Remember to change gloves and wash your hands between patients.
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Wash hands thoroughly after contact with body fluids and right away after removing gloves.
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Dispose of needles properly by placing them in a puncture-resistant container immediately after use. Do not recap, bend, or break needles or remove them from the syringe.
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Wear protective clothing like masks, goggles, and gowns during procedures where body fluids may splash or spray.
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Keep manual ventilation devices handy. Disposable devices, including resuscitation bags and mouthpieces, should be visible and within easy reach.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed infection control guidelines called Standard Precautions. These guidelines help prevent the spread of all germs, including HIV. Follow them according to your employer’s policies.
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Date Last Reviewed:
1/15/2007
Date Last Modified:
7/9/2002