Transmission of HIV in health care workers

Health care workers may be occupationally exposed to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The risk of infection is highest with accidental needlestick and similar percutaneous exposures. Emphasis should be placed on avoiding this type of accident. Strategies to prevent accidents and to manage exposures once they have occurred should be developed in each work environment. It is to be hoped that a combination of better infection control, safer devices and technologies, and postexposure prophylaxis with zidovudine (AZT) or other chemotherapeutic agents will help prevent infection in health care providers caring for HIV-infected patients.