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HIV and Occupational Exposure
Occupational HIV transmission to health care workers is extremely rare.
Only 58 cases of confirmed occupational HIV transmission to health care workers have ever occurred in the United States.* An additional 150 possible transmissions have been reported to CDC.
How can I prevent occupational HIV transmission?
Follow infection control precautions at all times. Assume that all blood and other body fluids are potentially infectious.
Use gloves, goggles, and other barriers when anticipating contact with blood or body fluids.
Wash hands and other skin surfaces immediately after contact with blood or body fluids.
Be careful when handling and disposing of sharp instruments during and after use.
Use safety devices to prevent needle-stick injuries.
Dispose of used syringes or other sharp instruments in a sharps container.
What if an HIV exposure happens at work?
If you are exposed to HIV at work, report your exposure to your supervisor, and see a doctor or visit an emergency room right away.
PEP can reduce your chance of getting HIV infection. It must be started within 72 hours (3 days) after you may have been exposed to HIV. But the sooner you start PEP, the better. Every hour counts!
Clinicians caring for workers who’ve had a possible exposure can call the PEPline (1-888-448-4911) for advice on managing the exposure. Clinicians who administer PEP should tell patients about possible side effects and follow patients closely to make sure they take their medicine correctly.
Exposed health care workers may also call the PEPline, but should seek local medical attention first.
View CDC’s Guidelines for the Management of Occupational Exposures to HIV and
Recommendations for Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP).
*Based on the most recent data available in December 2013. Of these, only 1 confirmed case has been reported since 1999.