HIV causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
Like HBV, it is classified as a blood borne pathogen. The virus attacks and
destroys the body’s immune system. When this happen, minor infections can
become life threatening.
Most commonly, HIV is transmitted through unsafe or
unprotected sexual activity and through the sharing of needles among
intravenous drug users. HIV can be transmitted from an infected mother to her
unborn child.
HIV may be contracted on the job by contact with blood
through needle stick injury or laceration of the skin by a contaminated object.
Aside from needle stick injury, HIV is most commonly transmitted on the job
when a worker has an open sore or injury that comes in contact with infectious
material. This happens when he fails to wear proper protective equipment during
emergency first aid treatment that involve with bleeding or bloody secretions.
Post-exposure to the virus can take as long as six to
twelve weeks for the body to develop HIV antibodies. Currently, the average
length of time in the progression from infection with HIV to full-blown AIDS is
eight years. The later in life that HIV contracted, the more rapidly the
disease progresses.
There is no cure
for AIDS, nor is there a vaccine
that protects against infection. The only
treatment is through prevention as below:
- Avoidance of I.V drug use.
- Observance of universal precautions (correct use of barrier protection, disinfections and sterilization practices).