HIV exposure and what you need to know.

(Baonghean.vn) - The possibility of HIV exposure can occur when we provide first aid to someone who is HIV positive. However, HIV transmission is not that easy.

What is HIV exposure?

Illustrative image.

According to the Ministry of Health's definition, HIV exposure refers to the contact of the mucous membranes or skin of a non-infected person with the blood, tissue, or bodily fluids of another person, leading to the risk of HIV infection. In reality, not every case of HIV exposure automatically means infection. This depends on the specific behavior and the level of risk associated with that behavior.

These are the reasons referred to as HIV exposure:

The risk of being pricked by a needle during medical procedures such as injections, transfusions, or blood tests is higher if the needle is large, hollow, and contains a significant amount of blood, penetrating deeply than if it were a small, shallow needle containing less blood.

Wounds caused by scalpels or other sharp instruments that puncture or pierce the skin, resulting in bleeding.

Skin injuries can occur when broken tubes containing blood or bodily fluids from a patient puncture the skin.

Blood and bodily fluids from an HIV-positive person can come into contact with damaged skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, throat). The risk is higher if there are extensive ulcers or abrasions.

Being stabbed by someone with a used needle containing blood (which may contain the HIV virus), or by people performing their duties (police officers, doctors, etc.) while providing emergency care for traffic accidents, apprehending criminals, etc.

A 22-year-old British woman was shocked to receive a positive HIV test result, not from unprotected sex, but from sharing nail clippers with her younger sister. (According to Zing)

Processing procedure

Step 1: Treat the wound immediately: Rinse the wound under running water; allow the wound to bleed naturally for a short time, do not squeeze or press the wound; wash thoroughly with soap and clean water.

If exposure occurs through the mucous membranes of the eyes: Rinse eyes with distilled water or 0.9% NaCl saline solution continuously for 5 minutes. Use an emergency eyewash station if available (usually provided in confirmatory testing laboratories).

Exposure through oral and nasal mucosa: Rinse the nose with distilled water or 0.9% NaCl solution and rinse the mouth with 0.9% NaCl solution several times.

Step 2: Report to the person in charge and prepare a report (be sure to include the date and time).

Step 3: Assess the risk of exposure based on the extent of injury and the area of ​​contact.

High risk:
Deep skin damage, heavy bleeding.
Blood and bodily fluids from an HIV-infected person splashed onto pre-existing wounds and extensive ulcers in the mucous membranes.

Low risk:

Skin abrasions that are superficial and do not bleed or bleed very little.
Blood and bodily fluids splash onto undamaged mucous membranes, causing inflammation and ulcers.

No risk: Blood and bodily fluids from the patient splash onto healthy, undamaged skin.

Step 4: Determine the HIV status of the source of exposure.These are referred to as HIV exposures.

Blood is taken for testing to determine the HIV status of an exposed individual. (Illustrative image.)

Step 5: Determine the HIV status of the exposed person. If the HIV test result is positive immediately after exposure, it indicates that the exposed person was already infected with HIV beforehand, not due to the exposure.

Stop using ARV medication for post-exposure prophylaxis. Counsel and refer the exposed person to an HIV treatment facility for treatment.

Step 6: Counsel the exposed person.

Step 7: Start prophylactic ARV treatment as soon as possible. Ideally, ARV treatment should begin 2-6 hours after exposure and should not be delayed beyond 72 hours. ARV treatment lasts for four weeks and may use the following regimens as prescribed by your doctor: ZDV + 3TC or d4T + 3TC.

A program for people withHIV exposure

HIV exposure can occur when a broken blood sample tube punctures the hand. This situation is also common among laboratory staff. (Illustrative image)

According to government regulations, doctors and medical staff who suffer occupational accidents or are exposed to HIV while examining and treating patients will receive free testing and preventive medication, and will be granted 20 days of paid leave for treatment.

Those infected with HIV while on duty will receive a one-time allowance of at least 30 months' salary and will be entitled to retirement benefits after 20 years of service. In case of death, the family will receive survivor benefits, as stipulated by regulations.

Non-law enforcement personnel are not eligible for free post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment for HIV.

Hoa Le

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