Final answer:
Precautions in caring for someone with HIV/AIDS include wearing protective gear, maintaining personal hygiene, using disposable syringes and needles, and disinfecting surfaces. Knowledge that HIV is not spread by casual contact is also important.
Step-by-step explanation:
Explaining precautions to be taken when caring for someone with HIV/AIDS is essential to prevent the spread of the infection. Here are four crucial precautions:
- Wear protective gear: This includes gloves and face protection when in contact with body fluids, such as blood, which is the greatest risk for transmitting HIV. Safety glasses or goggles are also recommended during certain procedures.
- Maintain personal hygiene: Wash exposed skin with soap and water immediately after potential exposure. Hand hygiene is critical in preventing the spread of HIV, especially for healthcare workers.
- Use disposable syringes and needles: Always use new, sterile equipment for injections and dispose of them safely to prevent needlestick injuries and the subsequent risk of HIV transmission.
- Disinfection of surfaces: The virus can remain infectious on surfaces for up to seven days. Disinfect using a solution recommended by protocols such as 10% bleach to ensure that all potential sources of the virus are neutralized.
Understanding that HIV cannot be transmitted by casual social contact is also important. You cannot become infected through day-to-day interactions like handshaking or hugging, nor from surfaces like toilet seats or doorknobs.