HIV/AIDS Precautions - Workplace Concerns

What are some basic facts about HIV?

• context The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that infects the immune system. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the most advanced stage of the HIV infection. HIV causes the immune system to become vulnerable to other infections. There is presently no cure or vaccine for HIV. It can take, on average, up to 10 years for the initial HIV infection to progress to AIDS without treatment.
• context Please also see the OSH Answers document HIV/AIDS in the Workplace for more information.

How is HIV transmitted?

In the workplace, the most likely method HIV is transmitted is an injury from a contaminated needle or other sharp objects. Please also see the OSH Answers document Needlestick and Sharps Injuries for more information. Other ways the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can pass from one person to another in the following ways: HIV is not found in saliva, vomit, feces, nasal secretions, tears or urine unless these fluids are visibly contaminated with blood. HIV is not spread by casual contact. There is no risk of becoming infected with HIV by working on the same assembly line, using the same equipment, sharing locker rooms or toilet facilities or being in the same office as someone with HIV infection or AIDS.

• context by unprotected sexual intercourse with infected persons
• context via transfusion of infected blood or blood products
• context from an infected mother to her infant before or during birth, or through breastfeeding
• context via organ transplant from an infected donor

Who are the workers at risk?

All workers who are in contact with contaminated blood or other specific body fluids are at risk. Exposure to HIV in the workplace occurs through:

• context skin and mucous membrane contact with blood and other body fluids of an infected person
• context incidents with needles or other sharp instruments contaminated with the blood of an infected person