AIDS and HIV: the dilemma of the health care worker

1. An estimated 5,800 health care workers have AIDS. Many times that number have HIV but have not yet developed AIDS. As of this date, 29 health care workers in the United States have seroconverted to HIV positive due to occupational exposure to the virus. Eleven are nurses. 2. Although much has been done to study the characteristics and etiology of the disease, there is still much debate over the methods of transmission, the best techniques of prevention, and the employability of those infected. 3. Over half the people surveyed would no longer seek medical attention from a health care provider if they knew that the provider had AIDS or HIV infection. This statistic demonstrates an almost irrational fear on the part of the public, since the chance of actual transmission from health care worker to patient is minimal. 4. Over 10 years of epidemiologic studies of HIV infected health care workers who performed highly invasive procedures have indicated that no transmissions have occurred. Therefore, the ANA is opposed to mandatory testing and mandatory disclosure of HIV status of patients and/or nurses. Voluntary anonymous or confidential testing--in conformance with informed consent laws--and counselling are encouraged. 5. Despite the laws and recommendations for employability of infected workers, there still exists widespread discrimination against individuals infected with HIV or individuals with AIDS, largely due to the confusion generated by the various guidelines and recommendations.