Nursing Assistant Monthly Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. HIV Infection in Older Adults August 2010

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. August 2010HIV infection in older adults Providing care safely The good news:  Today we have better treatments for HIV infection.  People with HIV are living longer than ever before. The challenge:  As the HIV infected population ages, nursing homes must be prepared to safely meet their needs.

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. August 2010HIV infection in older adults What is HIV? What is AIDS? HIV = Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection with HIV can remain silent (dormant) for many years. During this time, the virus is replicating (reproducing). Illness from HIV is called AIDS: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. August 2010HIV infection in older adults How can HIV be transmitted? The virus can be transmitted from person to person through the following bodily fluids:  Blood –Being stuck with a bloody needle  Semen –Sexual intercourse  Vaginal secretions –Sexual intercourse  Breast milk –An HIV-positive mother breastfeeding her infant

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. August 2010HIV infection in older adults How HIV is not transmitted? HIV is not transmitted through causal contact. You cannot get HIV by:  Shaking hands with someone who is infected with HIV  Sitting close to a person with HIV  Hugging a person with HIV  Assisting an HIV-positive person with routine ADLs (e.g., bathing, feeding, dressing, toileting)

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. August 2010HIV infection in older adults Standard Precautions  Most routine caregiving activities carry a low risk of caregiver infection. –Unless blood is present, urine, feces, saliva, or tears usually do not contain the HIV virus.  Since small amounts of blood are not always visible, the best way to protect yourself is to: –Wash hands before and after direct caregiving of all patients/residents –Wear gloves if you might be in contact with body fluids Remember: Many people are HIV-positive and do not know it. That’s the reason for Standard Precautions. Anyone can be infected with HIV.

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. August 2010HIV infection in older adults Other forms of protection If there is a possibility of splattering of body fluids, consider using:  Eye shields  Full face shields  Masks  Gowns

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. August 2010HIV infection in older adults Dignity and respect for all  People with HIV often feel rejected, even by loved ones.  Regardless of how a person became infected (e.g., unsafe sex, IV drug use, blood transfusion, etc.), treat everyone you care for with respect and dignity.  Remember to safeguard residents’ privacy; a person’s HIV status is confidential information.