Standard Precautions for Preventing HIV Transmission If there is a possibility of contact with blood or other bodily fluids (such as urine, feces, or vomit) that could potentially contain visible blood, always wear gloves and/or other protective equipment. For both clients and salon professionals: Cover cuts, sores, or breaks in the skin with bandages. Whenever contact is made with blood or other bodily fluids, immediately wash hands and/or other body parts that have been in contact. Carefully handle all sharp instruments and tools, being cautious during use and disposal . Sanitize or dispose of any tools/materials that may have come into contact with blood or other bodily fluids, and properly clean and sanitize the surrounding workstation. Avoid any practices that can increase the probability of contact with blood or bodily fluids (e.g., sharing razors, toothbrushes, or any equipment that could come in contact with the virus).
The impact of HIV/AIDS in the workplace continues to grow because the population of those most affected by the disease (those ages 20-44) is more than 50% of the 158 million people employed in the United States. It is important that while taking precautions against spreading and/or contracting HIV/AIDS, licensed professionals in no way infringe upon a person’s civil rights (be it a client, coworker, or self). Specifically for salons, a Business Responds to AIDS (BRTA) initiative was created to promote the awareness and prevention in areas impacted by HIV. Cosmetologists can promote awareness to clients on HIV which will help save lives, provide community recognition, protect you and your clients, and show your respect and commitment to the community. As a respected professional in your community, your clients are willing to trust and listen to what you have to say about HIV (CDC, 2019). Adherence to therapy Adherence remains a challenge. Although most current medications used to treat newly infected patients are available in a convenient one-pill regimen (containing at least three drugs) with minimal side effects, they present a challenge in that they make patients feel better quickly, making them think that they no longer need the medication. The following factor can influence a patient’s adherence to the regimen: ● Age, both young and old. ● Psychosocial Issues. ● Characteristics of the regimen. ● Characteristics of the clinical setting. ● Active mental health issues.
Inconsistent application of standard precautions can give the appearance of stigmatization and can lead to the reporting of perceived discriminatory practices. It is important for standard precautions to be employed universally with every client, not just those who have disclosed their HIV-positive status. For everyone’s safety and health, human service providers must keep up to date on current research and findings surrounding transmission and stay knowledgeable regarding misconceptions around transmission and assumptions about patient lifestyle and risk. It is also helpful to have a plan in place for postexposure management should direct contact with known HIV-infected blood take place. Clinical management and treatments Antiretroviral therapy Antiretroviral therapy (ART) reduces HIV-associated morbidity and mortality, with life expectancy now approaching that of people without HIV (Panel on Antiretroviral Guidelines for Adults and Adolescents, 2022). Many factors are taken into consideration when determining ART for the patient. The ART guidelines for adults and adolescents differ from the pediatric guidelines and the perinatal guidelines. Goals of ART ● Durable suppression of plasma HIV RNA. ● Restoration of immune function. ● Reduction of HIV-associated morbidity and prolonging the duration and quality of survival. ● Prevention of HIV transmission .
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: PROTECTIONS
It is unlawful to prohibit a person living with HIV/AIDS from participating in services offered to others, and it is illegal to deny them a benefit because of their HIV status. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) protect those living with HIV/AIDS and their friends and family from this type of discrimination.
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Book Code: CFL1025
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