HIV in Healthcare Settings

Overview of HIV in Healthcare Settings

3 images of healthcareHealthcare personnel are at risk for occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, including hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Exposures occur through needlesticks or cuts from other sharp instruments contaminated with an infected patient's blood or through contact of the eye, nose, mouth, or skin with a patient's blood. Important factors that influence the overall risk for occupational exposures to bloodborne pathogens include the number of infected individuals in the patient population and the type and number of blood contacts. Most exposures do not result in infection.

Transmission of HIV to patients while in healthcare settings is rare, however proper sterilization and disinfection procedures are required.

Background/General Information

These resources may be of use to heathcare professionals:

 

Date last modified: February 23, 2004
Content source: 
Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion (DHQP)

National Center for Preparedness, Detection, and Control of Infectious Diseases (NCPDCID)

 








BBP Exposure Resources