Accidental inoculation
An occupational exposure to HIV that occurs during the performance of job duties by a nurse or doctor, or other medical staff.
How does it happen?[edit | edit source]
Includes a needlestick or cut with a sharp object, contact of mucous membranes (mouth, eyes), or contact of skin (especially when the exposed skin is chapped, abraded, or afflicted with dermatitis--skin rash or sores--or the contact is prolonged or involves an extensive area) with blood, tissues, or other body fluids (stool, urine, vaginal secretions, saliva, mucous) to which universal precautions apply.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
History, physical examination and serological testing for HIV
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Post Exposure prophylaxis, or PEP. is the use of antiretroviral drugs after a single high-risk event to stop HIV seroconversion. PEP must be started as soon as possible to be effective—and always within 72 hours of a possible exposure.
CDC recommendations for PEP[edit | edit source]
Post Exposure Prophylaxis should start ideally within one hour as after 72 hours post-exposure PEP is much less effective,
Duration of PEP[edit | edit source]
Prophylactic treatment for HIV typically lasts four weeks.
Antibody testing[edit | edit source]
People who received PEP are typically advised to get an antibody test at 6 months post-exposure as well as the standard 3 month test.
Regimen used for PEP[edit | edit source]
- The antiretroviral regimen used in PEP is the same as the standard highly active antiretroviral therapy used to treat AIDS.
- People initiating PEP treatment typically receive a 28-day starter pack, as opposed to a 3-7 day starter pack, to facilitate strong medication adherence.
- They should also be counseled on the unpleasant side effects including malaise, fatigue, diarrhea, headache, nausea and vomiting.
PreEP[edit | edit source]
- People at high risk for re-exposure due to unprotected intercourse or other behavioral factors should be given PrEP, which would begin immediately after the completion of the nPEP treatment course.
- Inversely, if a medically-adherent patient is already on PrEP upon non-occupational exposure, nPEP treatment is not necessary.
External links[edit | edit source]
See the detailed article on PEP
Prevention[edit | edit source]
Taking adequate precautions is key.
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