Healthcare workers come in contact with bodily fluids more often than almost any other type of worker. With the increasing incidence of HIV, it is extremely important that healthcare workers know the basics of how HIV is transmitted and what steps they can take to avoid contamination.

After completing this activity, the participant should be able to:

• 1. discuss the history of HIV.
• 2. identify the symptoms of HIV.
• 3. describe how HIV is transmitted and spreads through the body.
• 4. discuss how to prevent HIV transmission at work, including personal protective equipment and sharps safety.
• 5. explain what to do if you think you have been exposed to HIV on the job.
• 6. discuss drug therapies used during post exposure prophylaxis.