Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a condition which weakens the body's defense system that fights infections to the point where the body becomes unusually prone to a variety of diseases. These diseases are responsible for high mortality in AIDS patients.

Cause

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes AIDS.

Source

The virus is found in blood, semen and certain other body fluids of an infected person.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can pass from one person to another in the following ways:

• by unprotected sexual intercourse with infected persons
• by using contaminated needles
• via transfusion of infected blood or blood products
• from an infected mother to her infant before or during birth
• via organ transplant from an infected donor

HIV is not found in vomit, feces, nasal secretions, tears or urine unless these fluids are visibly contaminated with blood.

HIV is not spread by casual contact. There is no risk of becoming infected with HIV by working on the same assembly line, using the same equipment, sharing locker rooms or toilet facilities or being in the same office as someone with AIDS.

All workers who are in contact with contaminated blood or other body fluids are at risk. Exposure to HIV in the workplace occurs through:

• skin and mucous membrane contact with blood and other body fluids of an infected person
• accidents with needles or other sharp instruments contaminated with the blood of an infected person

The Centers for Disease Control recommend using "universal precautions" to protect workers at risk from HIV exposure. This approach stresses that all situations involving contact with blood and certain other body fluids present a risk. Universal precautions outline the use of barriers to prevent workplace exposure to HIV and other viruses. These barriers include the use of:

• engineering controls
• safe work practices
• protective equipment such as gloves, gowns or aprons, masks, and protective eye wear.