The HIV and AIDS Training for Healthcare Workers course will educate healthcare workers on HIV/AIDS in the healthcare environment.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) leads to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) when it destroys helpful blood cells in the body. Often, those with HIV/AIDS have a weakened immune system, increasing their risk for many different types of infections.
AIDS is characterized by the collapse of the body’s natural immune system used to fight disease. Patients with AIDS are extremely vulnerable to infections and cancers.
What You’ll Learn
- Overview of HIV and AIDS
- Symptoms and Stages of HIV/AIDS
- HIV and AIDS transmission in healthcare workers
- Transmission prevention
- HIV treatment
Details
Course length: 45 minutes.
Languages: American English
Key features: Audio narration, learning activity, and post-assessment
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Acute HIV Infection
After 2 to 4 weeks of being infected with HIV, nearly two-thirds of people report flu-like symptoms. This is how the body responds to an HIV infection. These flu-like symptoms can include fever, chills, or rash.
These symptoms can last for a couple of days, or for several weeks. Some people do not report any symptoms during this early stage of HIV infection. It is important to note that symptoms associated with acute HIV infection are also caused by other illnesses, highlighting the usefulness of an HIV test.
Clinical Latency
The virus multiplies at very low levels during this stage. It is common for people to not feel sick or experience any symptoms. Another term for this stage is chronic HIV infection. Without receiving any treatment, people may stay in this stage for 10-15 years or less. However, taking HIV medicine every day can help to maintain an undetectable viral load. This means that you can limit the negative health effects of the virus and dramatically decrease transmission of the virus via sexual intercourse. A detectable viral load means that you can still transmit HIV to others. Therefore, it is very important to regularly monitor your viral load with your healthcare provider.
AIDS
If you have HIV and do not take treatment, eventually the virus will weaken your immune system until you develop AIDS. AIDS is the last stage of HIV infection.
There are several symptoms of AIDS. Most notable are rapid weight loss, recurring fever, and profuse night sweats. It is once again important to realize that these symptoms may also be caused by other illnesses. Therefore, an HIV test is necessary to know if you have HIV.
If you are HIV-positive, a healthcare provider will determine the progression of your disease. Many of the severe symptoms that occur as a result of HIV disease are due to infections that your body cannot fight off.
If you are experiencing symptoms and are concerned about your risk of HIV infection, see your healthcare provider. For more information on the symptoms and stages of HIV and AIDS, please refer to this course.
Transmission of HIV and AIDS
HIV transmission is extremely rare in healthcare settings, but it is possible. To prevent the transmission of HIV, universal precautions and infection control procedures must be enforced.
Healthcare workers are at risk of being exposed to several bloodborne pathogens, including HIV. The risk for occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens can be determined by analyzing the number of infected patients and the type of blood contacts. Proper sterilization and disinfection procedures must be used at all times.
Preventing HIV Transmission
Healthcare workers should follow Standard Precautions at all times. Under these precautions, workers assume that all blood and body fluids are potentially infectious. Therefore, workers should use gloves and goggles when anticipating contact with blood or body fluids. Additionally, wash hands immediately after contact with potentially infectious material. Healthcare personnel should be careful when handling sharp instruments to be used on patients. Safety devices can help prevent needle-stick injuries.
All used syringes must be disposed of immediately. This will greatly limit the chances of HIV exposure in the workplace. If exposure does occur, it must be reported right away. PEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis, is a medicine that will help prevent HIV infection after exposure.
Viral Load
The higher a person’s viral load, the more likely they are to transmit HIV. Viral load refers to the amount of HIV that is present in someone’s blood. It is highest during the acute phase of infection or when no treatment is taken. Taking medicine can lower one’s viral load to the point where it is undetectable.
People who have HIV but keep an undetectable viral load can live long and healthy lives. Additionally, an undetectable viral load decreases your chances of transmitting the virus via sex, needles, or pregnancy. For more information on HIV treatment, please refer to this training.
Patients with HIV/AIDS
There are several concerns regarding the care of HIV-infected patients. Healthcare workers must ensure that they have the proper training and skills to work with HIV-infected people. Important issues in AIDS care include acquiring professional competence in viral management, ensuring the availability of support services, and continuing education on infection control practices.
The healthcare facility needs to foster a supportive working environment, where all healthcare workers feel comfortable in providing care to infected patients. This environment will allow providers to develop programs that address patients’ specific needs.
Several strategies have helped maintain a positive work environment. Please complete this course to learn more.
