Prevention of human immunodeficiency virus infection: our responsibilities as health care professionals.
The prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a major responsibility of health care professionals. This paper deals with the virus itself--its history and prevalent modes of transmission. The low risk of HIV transmission in health care settings and through casual contact is emphasized. A discussion of prevalence rates in the United States is followed by an explanation of methods to prevent HIV infection through testing, counseling, limiting sexual transmission, screening of blood and blood products, reducing risk among intravenous drug users, avoiding perinatal transmission, practicing safety measures in health care settings, and implementing educational goals.
Pugliese
G
G
Division of Quality Control Management, American Hospital Association, Chicago, IL 60611.
Lampinen
T
T
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012307:Risk Factors; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D014481:United States