AIDS/HIV: implications for speech-language pathologists and audiologists

Great strides have been made in the past year in uncovering the pathogenesis of AIDS/HIV, in administering certain drugs to retard the course of AIDS/HIV, in allaying the concerns of the general public, and in dispelling the many myths regarding AIDS/HIV. ASHA's Committee on Quality Assurance has provided this update as a result of obtaining the most current information from CDC and related AIDS/HIV literature. Human service providers are not at high risk of getting AIDS/HIV as a result of their work with clients, even if they regularly care for persons with AIDS/HIV (American College Health Association Task Force on AIDS, 1987). The risk is associated with coming in contact with blood and body fluids containing visible blood and from needle stick injuries. Guidelines for prevention of transmission of the AIDS virus to caregivers are similar to those of transmission of Hepatitis B. All practitioners should be aware of these guidelines and diligently observe them. This update has relaxed a more stringent approach to guidelines for practitioners when coming into contact with all body fluids since the most recent CDC recommendations caution practitioners to adhere to Universal Precautions if it is anticipated that they might be exposed to blood or body fluids containing visible blood. Also, disposal of materials need not be extraordinary, because only needles, lab waste, and infectious material require the use of hazardous waste red bag container. When practitioners have a question regarding cleaning and maintenance of equipment, it is suggested that they consult manufacturer's instructions. Materials that may come in contact with blood or body fluids should ideally be disposable.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)