DISINFECTION

Just as it is extremely difficult to destroy HIV virus in the body, it is extremely easy to do so outside the body. HIV virus can easily be killed by heat and by drying. Once the body secretions dry out or it is left in the sunlight for a few minutes, it gets easily destroyed.

For domiciliary disinfection of suspect discharges, just add 2 tsf of ordinary bleaching powder to half a bucket of water and use it to disnfect.

GUIDELINES FOR UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS

As it is difficult to say who has HIV infection, just by looking at them, it is necessary to deploy Universal precautions at all times. Guidelines given below are same for doctors, para medical workers and people looking after suspected or confirmed HIV/ AIDS patients

• Wear gloves if there is a risk of contact with blood and body fluids either while examining a person or doing any procedures.
• Wear eyeglasses or goggles, mask and gown if there is a risk of body fluids or blood splashing on you.
• Always wash hands before and after physical contact with a patient.
• Always wash hands after removing gloves.
• For washing hands, use running water for at least half a minute.
• Liquid soap is preferable to solid soap for washing hands.
• Use 0.5-1% sodium hypochlorite solution to disinfect surfaces that have come in contact with body fluids or blood.
• Use water proof dressings to cover cuts and abrasions during physical contact with patient.
• Do not pass sharp instruments hand to hand. Place them in a flat surface so that the other person can pick it up.
• Do not use hand needles
• Do not guide needle into the body of the patient with the fingers.
• Do not resheath used needles.