The Strategy acknowledges that HIV is still an epidemic and major health issue in the US, despite the fact that most people can live long and healthy lives once diagnosed and treated . It recognizes that everyone across the nation deserves access to prevention tools and education and immediate access to treatment and care. It will require a collaborative national response to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic and achieve the strategic goals provided. This includes all health and human service providers, including barbers. Fulfilling this national strategy starts with each individual and should begin with you and your salon. To date, there are no documented cases of HIV transmission through blood contact that have occurred in a salon setting . Therefore, while transmission of HIV in the salon is highly unlikely (probably because of strict regulations in sanitization and operations), it is still essential that salon professionals stay up to date on HIV/ AIDS-specific prevention techniques and protocols to stop transmission. Seasoned barbers know that the presence of blood during various cosmetic procedures is not that unusual. For example, it is not unheard of to draw blood during a manicure or pedicure, close shave, or facial procedure. When/if this happens, if the blood is infected with the HIV virus and comes in contact with a cut or an open wound, there is potential to transmit the virus. It is important to note that, while risk of exposure due to direct splashes with body fluids is minimal, there is increased danger if infected blood enters the body via a scratch or open wound. Nail clippers, acrylic nail drills, cuticle scissors, callus paring blades, and reusable razors and blades all have the potential to transmit infectious diseases if they are not properly sterilized. Following proper sanitation rules and standard precautions will greatly decrease the potential of HIV transmission and protect both professionals and clients from transmitting the disease. Carefully handle all sharp instruments and tools, taking caution 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). Inconsistent application of standard precautions can give the appearance of stigmatization and can lead to the reporting of perceived discriminatory practices. It is important that standard precautions are employed universally with every client, not just those who have disclosed 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 post- exposure management should direct contact with known HIV infected blood take place.
The strategy has set the ambitious targets of a 75% reduction in new HIV infections by 2025 and a 90% reduction in new infections by 2030. The strategy focuses on four major goals: ● Preventing new HIV infections; ● Improving HIV-related health outcomes of people with HIV; ● Reducing HIV-related disparities and health inequities; and ● Achieving integrated, coordinated efforts that address the HIV epidemic among all partners and stakeholders. Protecting yourself in the workplace: HIV and salons Salons have come under intense scrutiny in the past decade because of various outbreaks of infectious diseases that were traced to improperly cleaned equipment. State licensing boards have set strict rules for salon procedures and the exact steps for proper sanitation and sterilization of equipment to make sure disease transmission cannot happen in salons. It is important that all licensed barbers are familiar with and consistently practice these safety rules and guidelines. Among the most important is the simplest: Workers must wash their hands frequently, between clients and sometimes more often, when there is a chance of any kind of disease transmission. Not only will this (and other mandated safety precautions) significantly reduce the likelihood of transmitting HIV/AIDS; it will also provide protection against the transmission of staph infection and other harmful bacteria and germs that are statistically much more likely to be transmitted within the salon setting. Only 58 cases of confirmed occupational transmission of HIV to healthcare workers have been documented in the United States . (While extremely rare, in a very few cases, HIV transmission has occurred in a household setting due to unprotected contact between infected blood and broken skin or mucous membranes.) Prevention and standard precautions To prevent transmission of HIV in the workplace, barbers, cosmetologists, and other health and human service providers must assume that blood and other body fluids from all clients are potentially infectious. To stay safe, when working with any client, standard precautions must be taken to avoid contact with bodily fluids. The following table provides standard precautions that should be taken when providing cosmetic services: 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. Anytime contact is made with blood or other bodily fluids, immediately wash hands and/or other body parts that have been in contact.
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