Hiv Needlestick Risk
HIV does not survive well outside the body. Needlestick injury Introduction Needlestick and sharps injuries account for 17 per cent of accidents to NHS staff and are the second most common cause of injury behind moving and handling at 18 per cent. How Should Healthcare Workers Handle Needlestick Injuries Page 3 Of 4 Enttoday Very recent acute HIV infection a time when viral load is exceptionally high increases the risk sevenfold relative risk 725. Hiv needlestick risk . Sexual exposure to blood borne viruses requires a similar process of risk assessment appropriate testing and decisions regarding post exposure prophylaxis PEP. The risk from a discarded needle in the community is much lower because. The risk of HIV transmission from community needlesticks is extremely small presently no published cases and anti-retrovirals do have significant side effects. Post-exposure prophylaxis is available which can reduce the chance of transmission of HIV. Health workers and members o