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Unit-1 HIV/AIDS

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Course Outline 

 

Course Overview: This course covers the subject of the affects of HIV/AIDS along with the different symptoms, courses of action, and infections associated with this fatal disease. Information on the use of condoms, how to practice safe, sex and making careful choices is also provided, as well as suggested practices that will aid in the protection and prevention against HIV/AIDS for the sexually active individual. Also contained in this course is information on testing for these diseases and reasons for transmission, along with statistics on case rates in diverse populations. Additionally contained here is information regarding clinical management in the salon by the implementation of “Universal Precautions”, in conjunction with recommendations for salon safety regarding blood-borne pathogens. In conclusion this section contains research data regarding several other communicable diseases or disorder (such as tuberculosis, hepatitis, pediculosis, ringworm, and syphilis), attitudes toward infected persons, the prevention of infection, and cures (if any) for these diseases.

 

Attitudes toward persons with HIV/AIDS

Discrimination is one of the issues that people with HIV, face every day. Even though there are laws that deal with HIV/AIDS discrimination, it continues to be just one more obstacle surrounding this epidemic. Discrimination varies. It can be as subtle as avoiding someone in the work place because of rumors that person is infected, or as overt as dismissal from a job because of a learned infection of HIV/AIDS. People, who have been infected, as well as their friends, relatives, and some caregivers, have experienced a variety of different types of discrimination. Even the very young are ostracized because of their infection. Fear seems to be largely responsible for unnecessary discriminatory practices. Fears of social interaction with infected individuals are groundless. These and similar events demonstrate that people continue to have unnecessary concerns and misconceptions about HIV/AIDS. Just because people are HIV positive, does not mean that they no longer have social status, feelings, the right to the pursuit of happiness, or the right to be gainfully employed. They are individuals that need to sustain their routine life-style and need to be included.

 

A virus called HIV causes AIDS

AIDS is one of the principal causes of death for Americans between the ages of 25 and 44. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 1 in every 250 people is infected with HIV. Many people who are infected today did not think that they were at risk.

 

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It has been identified as the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV is spread from one person to another through sharing of needles, unprotected sexual contact, blood and body fluids. The HIV virus attacks a person's immune system and, over time, destroys it. By the time an individual begins to experience diseases and infections as the consequence of the destructive process of HIV, his/her T-cell count is commonly below 200 per milliliter. An individual develops AIDS when his/her immune system can no longer successfully fight off disease and infection, and if not attended to, the person will die from complications. HIV does not discriminate and anybody can acquire the virus.

 

People infected with HIV may seem and feel healthy for an extended period. Not infrequently, it can take up to 10 years for a person infected with HIV to develop AIDS.  Thus, infected people may spend a decade not knowing that they are infected, yet are all the while infecting others.

 

Symptoms of infection differ from one person to another. Some people get fevers and diarrhea others get swollen glands. Commonly, people infected lose weight for no apparent reason while the virus cripples the body's defenses. At the time people develop AIDS, they might have illnesses that people not infected would usually resist. It is necessary to take a blood test in order to determine if an individual is infected with HIV. The CDC defines a person with AIDS as someone with:

 

·         A positive HIV antibody or antigen test, and

·         A T-cell (CDR) count of less than 200 cells per milliliter, and

·         A diagnosis of one or more opportunistic diseases or conditions associated with AIDS.

 

These are some of the common ways in which HIV is spread. The most effective method of HIV transmission is blood to blood, however, a sufficient amount of HIV blood must gain entry into the bloodstream to cause infection. Records have shown that contact between infected blood and intact skin (i.e. no breaks in the skin, lesions, or open sores) cannot transfer the virus from one person to another.  Conversely, having vaginal, anal, or oral sex without a latex condom, or sharing needles or syringes will. It should also be known that AIDS can be transmitted from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth, and, although rarely, through breast-feeding.

 

Treatment of HIV/AIDS

Medical science has made progress in the treatment of HIV infection and the associated opportunistic infections (OIs) that come along with HIV. Expanded use of medications for preventing toxoplasmosis, tuberculosis, Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) and, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), for example, has facilitated with the reduction in the number of people with HIV who ultimately develop serious illness and die from AIDS. Also, a number of new compounds in the latest class of drugs, called protease inhibitors, have been federally approved to treat HIV infection. These drugs, when taken in combination with previously approved drugs such as AZT, 3TC and ddI, reduce the level of HIV particles circulating in the blood to very low levels in infected individuals. Treatment results using these drugs have been hopeful, as these drug combinations are more effective than any previously available therapies.

 

Prevention and Safe Practices - Know the Facts

HIV is a very dangerous disease, that you may have less of a chance of contracting if you follow some basic guidelines for prevention. The following facts about HIV and AIDS will educate you on how to protect yourself. If you are sexually active and want to avoid HIV, you must have sex only with a partner who does not shoot drugs, does not share needles or syringes, is not infected, and is monogamous. Are you asking if this is even possible? Remember that these things are impossible to know for sure about someone unless they never leave your side. There is never a 100% guarantee that a partner will not participate in risky behavior unbeknownst to you.

 

You can safeguard yourself from the virus. Some of the primary methods are:

·         Do not use drugs or alcohol. They keep you from making wise decisions and thinking clearly.

·         Do not have sex. You can get infected from one sexual experience.

·         Never share any kind of needle or syringe.

·         If you do have sex learn and use safe sex practices.

 

Birth control pills and diaphragms will not protect you from HIV or other STD’s. Latex condoms and female condoms can help reduce your chance of HIV infection during sex, and perform as an effective barrier. They must be put on prior to genital contact, and they need to be used the right way, from beginning to end, each time you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex. You should always use a latex condom for any kind of sexual intercourse that includes the transfer of body fluids. Under laboratory conditions, viruses occasionally have been shown to pass through natural membrane (“skin” or lambskin) condoms, which contain natural pores and are therefore not recommended for disease prevention. Conversely, laboratory studies have consistently demonstrated that latex condoms provide a highly effective mechanical barrier to HIV. There is always a chance you won't know if you or your partner is infected. Condoms can provide protection for those who choose to have more than one sexual partner, however, condoms are not a 100% guarantee against the AIDS virus.  Condoms do not absolutely exclude the possibility of becoming infected because they can rupture, tear, or even slide off. Latex condoms are approximately 90% effective at preventing pregnancy and the passage of almost all sexually transmitted diseases. This figure would be about 93% to 99% if everyone used a condom properly.

 

Make careful choices. Whether or not to have sex, or whether or not to use condoms, is a decision you may be faced with at one time or another. Many will be faced with this decision time and time again. Apply what you have learned to make judgments about sex that are beneficial to you and your mate. Get the most recent information from the CDC.

 

It is impossible for a donor to get HIV from giving blood or plasma. In the United States every piece of equipment (needles, tubing, containers) used to draw blood is sterile and brand new. It is used only once and then destroyed.

 

The likelihood of acquiring HIV from a blood transfusion in the U.S. is currently remote. At the beginning of the epidemic, some people contracted the virus through infected blood in the nation’s blood supply. Subsequently, safeguards were implemented and the risk of getting an HIV contaminated transfusion has diminished significantly, being now estimated at two in one million units of blood. As time has gone on, testing procedures have improved notably. Nonetheless, testing cannot entirely remove the chance of infected blood. If someone donates blood or plasma soon after they are infected, current tests may not always detect the existence of the virus.

 

There is no approved vaccine for HIV, or a cure for AIDS. However, there are several medications that are now available to help treat the symptoms of AIDS and permit patients to live more comfortably. None of these medications can exclude a person from becoming infected with HIV, nor can they cure AIDS. On the other hand, people can take an active role in the prevention of HIV infection by understanding the facts and following the guidelines.

 

Blood Tests for HIV

Specific blood tests are required to look for, and to verify the presence of HIV antibodies in the blood. In nearly all cases, the body develops antibodies to combat the virus that enters the blood stream. If it is possible that you may be infected with HIV, you should consider taking an antibody blood test and get counseling both before and after being tested. Accepted blood tests are over 99% accurate. Still, there is usually a window period of a few weeks to a few months subsequent to a person becoming infected before enough antibodies develop to be detected. Get in touch with your local public health department, Red Cross chapter, AIDS service organization, or doctor's office for more information about testing and HIV counseling.

 

Facts about HIV/AIDS

1) AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) results from the late stage of infection with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). The onset of AIDS can take up to 10 or more years, and new drug therapies can delay the progression of the disease into AIDS even longer. A person infected with HIV may look and feel healthy for many years, but can still transmit the virus to others, which is why testing is so important.

 

2) HIV is transmitted through the exchange of any HIV infected body fluids. Transfer may occur during all stages of the disease. The HIV virus is found in the following fluids: blood, semen (and pre-ejaculated fluid), vaginal secretions, and breast milk. HIV does not survive long outside the body and therefore can only be transmitted when any of the above body fluids from an infected individual enters an uninfected individual.

 

3) HIV most frequently is transmitted sexually. The only way you can be completely sure to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV is by abstaining from all sexual contact. How can you have sex and still significantly reduce your risk of contracting HIV? By correctly using a latex condom from start to finish, every time you have vaginal or anal intercourse, and with each act of oral sex on a man. Be aware that HIV can be transmitted through oral sex. Use a dental dam or a condom cut open while performing each act of oral sex with a woman. Bear in mind that all semen, even pre-ejaculated fluid, can carry the HIV virus. Engage in safer sex practices that involve no penetration, (such as kissing, massaging, hugging, touching, body rubbing, and masturbation).

 

4) It is important to know that all blood, organs, and tissues used during transfusions or surgeries have been tested for HIV. Medical professionals immediately and carefully dispose of all contaminated products. All medical and surgical instruments, including those used for tattooing and body piercing, must be completely sterilized or discarded properly after each use in order to prevent HIV transmission. For information on HIV/AIDS in the work place or referrals to organizations that handle the proper disposal of medical instruments call the CDC National HIV/AIDS Hotline at 1-800-342-AIDS.

 

5) Anonymous HIV testing is the only form of HIV testing that is not name based. If you receive a test from an anonymous testing center, no one but you will know the results of your test. Currently, 40 states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico offer anonymous testing.

 

6) You do not get HIV from donating blood, from mosquito bites or bites from other bugs, from the urine, sweat, or sneezes of an infected person, nor from public restrooms, saunas, showers or pools. You also do not get HIV from being friends with a person who has HIV/AIDS, touching, hugging, or dry kissing a person with HIV, sharing towels or clothing, or sharing eating utensils.

 

7) Young adults (under age 25) are quickly becoming the most at risk age group, now accounting for an estimated 50% of all new HIV infections in the United States. Teenagers and young people here and around the world need to take an active role in changing the course of the HIV/AIDS epidemic by adjusting their behaviors and attitudes toward the disease.

 

8) Discriminating against people who are infected with HIV/AIDS, or anyone thought to be at risk of infection, violates individual human rights. Every person infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS deserves compassion and support, regardless of the circumstances surrounding their infection. Education is crucial in getting this message out.

 

9) You can help stop the spread of HIV by getting involved in community efforts. World AIDS Day is a special event held every year to focus attention on this urgent challenge that affects all of us. It is marked around the world by thousands of different events designed to increase awareness and to express compassion and solidarity.

 

If you have ever thought of offering your time to a cause, you can aid in the battle against HIV and AIDS by becoming a volunteer. Volunteers are always needed, to answer AIDS hotlines and help educate others about HIV and AIDS. They can assist people living with AIDS by shopping for them or bringing meals to their homes. They can help generate funds to combat this epidemic. Contact your local AIDS service organization or the Red Cross chapter to find out how you can help. People with HIV and AIDS need love and compassion. Most people who are living with AIDS are often sick and under a lot of stress, and would benefit from support and care.

 

Be a role model for others. Show your support and caring for people who are infected with HIV and for those who are living with AIDS.  Keep in mind that you cannot get AIDS from being a friend.

 

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Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease usually affecting the lungs (pulmonary TB). Other parts of the body can also be affected, for example, lymph nodes, kidneys, bones, joints, etc. (extra-pulmonary TB). It can affect anyone of any age. Immune-compromised individuals, such as those with AIDS (or those infected with HIV), are at increased risk. Tuberculosis is spread through the air. When a person with tuberculosis, who is not taking tuberculosis medication, coughs or sneezes, the germs get into the air. Prolonged exposure to the tuberculosis organisms is normally necessary for infection to occur. Tuberculosis infection may result after close contact with a person who has tuberculosis disease.

 

What is the TB skin test?

The TB skin test is a way to find out if a person has TB infection. Although there is more than one TB skin test, the preferred method of testing is to use the Mantoux test. Tuberculosis infection is determined by a significant reaction to the Mantoux skin test, even when there are no symptoms of tuberculosis and no TB organisms are found in the sputum (the expectorated material that is coughed up from the respiratory tree). The disease itself is characterized by the appearance of symptoms, the presence of organisms in the sputum, as well as a significant reaction to a Mantoux skin test.

 

In order to spread the TB germs, a person must have TB disease. Having TB infection is not enough to spread the germ. Tuberculosis may last for a lifetime as an infection, never developing into the disease. The symptoms of TB disease include a low-grade fever, night sweats, fatigue, weight loss, and a persistent cough. Some people may not have obvious symptoms.

 

Most people infected with the germ that causes TB never develop active TB. If active TB does develop, it can occur anytime from 2 months after infection to many years later. The risk of active disease lessens as time passes. A person with TB disease may remain contagious until he/she has been on appropriate treatment for several weeks. However, a person with TB infection, but not disease, cannot spread the infection to others, since there are no TB germs in the sputum.

 

Preventive: People infected with TB should be evaluated for a course of preventive therapy, which usually includes treatments of an anti-tuberculosis medication for 6 to 12 months. A physician must determine the exact preventive therapy plan.

 

Curative: People with active TB disease must complete a course of curative therapy. Initial treatment includes at least four anti-TB drugs for a minimum of 6 months. Medications may be altered based on laboratory test results. A physician must determine the exact medication plan.  People with medical risk factors should be skin tested for TB. Their skin test results should be clearly noted in their medical record.

 

Because HIV infection weakens the immune system, someone with TB infection and HIV infection has a very high risk of getting TB disease. HIV infection, when it occurs in tandem with TB infection, without treatment, can work together to shorten the life of an infected person. Other medical risk factors, which increase the chance of developing TB disease, include diabetes mellitus, prolonged corticosteroid therapy, Immuno-suppressive therapy, cancer, silicosis, as well as being 10 percent or more below ideal body weight.

 

If TB infection has occurred, treatment should be sought. It should be noted that TB is one of the few diseases related to HIV infection that is easily prevented and cured with medication. People that are immune-compromised are currently being treated with drug combinations containing three and four different drugs simultaneously. Conversely, in addition to spreading the disease to others, an untreated person will become severely ill or die.

 

The most important way to stop the spread of tuberculosis is to cover the mouth and nose when coughing, and to take all the TB medication exactly as prescribed by the physician. Some strains of TB have the ability to grow and multiply even in the presence of certain drugs that would normally kill them. People, who have been exposed to a case of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), especially if they are immune-compromised, are at the risk for developing MDR-TB. Other people who may develop drug-resistant tuberculosis include TB patients who have failed to take anti-tuberculosis medications as prescribed, TB patients who have been prescribed an ineffective treatment plan, and people who have been treated previously for TB. For patients with disease due to multidrug-resistant organisms, expert consultation from a specialist in treating multidrug-resistant TB should be obtained. Patients with multidrug-resistant disease should be treated with a minimum of two or three drugs to which their organisms are susceptible.

 

It is currently unknown whether preventive therapy can effectively prevent the development of active TB disease in people who are infected with MDR-TB strains. Nevertheless, recommendations concerning preventive therapy for people who have been infected with MDR-TB are being developed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The most important ways to stop the spread of MDR-TB remain the same¾ to cover the mouth and nose when coughing, and to seek adequate treatment. It is also essential that health officials directly oversee the administration of TB medications to people who, due to mental illness or incapacity, are unable to follow the prescribed regimens themselves.

 

Hepatitis C

The word hepatitis simply means inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis is characterized as a severe inflammation of the liver. Those infected will usually develop liver disease, according to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hepatitis C is one of five currently identified viruses—hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E—all of which can attack and damage the liver. Widely viewed as one of the most serious of the five, the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread primarily through contact with infected blood and can cause cirrhosis (irreversible and potentially fatal liver scarring), liver cancer, or liver failure. Hepatitis C is the major reason for liver transplants in the United States, accounting for 1,000 of the procedures annually. The disease is responsible for between 8,000 and 10,000 deaths yearly. Some estimates say the number of HCV-infected people may be four times the number of those infected with the AIDS virus.

 

Symptoms of hepatitis C include:

 

If you have reason to believe that you may be infected or have these symptoms, see a doctor for testing.

 

Hepatitis C Treatment

Some patients learn they have hepatitis through a routine physical or when they donate blood and a blood test shows elevated liver enzymes. Once diagnosed, health professionals recommend the following:


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Pediculosis

Pediculosis is an infestation of the hairy parts of the body or clothing with the larvae, eggs, or adult lice. The crawling stages of this insect consume human blood. Which causes excessive itching in areas of infestation. Head lice are usually located on the scalp, crab lice in the pubic area, and body lice along seams of clothing, traveling to the skin to feed. Anyone can become louse infested under appropriate conditions. Pediculosis is easily transmitted from person to person through direct contact. Head lice infestations are commonly found in school settings or institutions. Crab lice infestations can be found among sexually active individuals. Body lice infestation generally can be found in people living in unsanitary conditions, and lacking hygiene where clothing is infrequently changed or laundered. For both head lice and body lice, transmission can occur during direct contact with an infested individual, or through sharing of clothing, combs or brushes. While other means are possible, crab lice are most often transmitted through sexual contact.

 

Usually, the first evidence of an infestation is the itching or scratching in the area of the body where the lice feed. Scratching at the back of the head or around the ears should lead to an examination for head louse eggs (nits) on the hair. Itching around the genital area should lead to an examination for crab lice or their eggs. Scratching can be sufficiently intense to result in secondary bacterial infection in these areas. It may take as long as 2 to 3 weeks or longer for a person to notice the intense itching associated with this infestation. Pediculosis can be spread as long as lice or eggs remain alive on the infested person or clothing.

 

Medicated shampoos or cream rinses containing lindane or pyrethrin are used to kill lice. Products containing pyrethrin are available over-the-counter, but those containing lindane are available only through a physician's prescription. Lindane is not recommended for infants, young children, and pregnant or lactating women. Re-treatment after 7 to 10 days is recommended to assure that no eggs have survived. Nit combs are available to help remove nits from hair. Dose and duration of shampoo treatment should be followed according to label instructions.

 

Physical contact with infested individuals and their belongings, especially clothing, headgear, combs, and bedding, should be avoided. Health education on the life history of lice, proper treatment, and the importance of laundering clothing and bedding in hot water (140°F for 20 minutes), or dry cleaning to destroy lice and eggs, is extremely valuable. In addition, regular inspection of children, especially of children in schools, institutions, and summer camps, is crucial in detecting infestation.

 

Ringworm

Ringworm is a skin infection caused by a fungus that affects the scalp, skin, fingers, toenails, or feet. Anyone can get ringworm. Children are more susceptible to certain varieties, while adults may be more affected by others. Transmission of these fungal agents can occur by direct skin-to-skin contact with infected people or pets, or indirectly by contact with such items as barber clippers, hair from infected people, shower stalls or floors.

 

Ringworm of the scalp usually begins as a small pimple, which becomes larger in size, leaving scaly patches of temporary baldness. Infected hairs become brittle and break off easily. Occasionally, yellowish cup-like, crusty areas are seen. With ringworm of the nails, the affected nails become thicker, discolored, and brittle, or they will become chalky and disintegrate. Ringworm of the body appears as flat, spreading, ring-shaped areas. The edge is reddish and may be both dry and scaly, or moist and crusted. As it spreads, the center area clears and appears normal. Ringworm of the foot appears as a scaling or cracking of the skin, especially between the toes.

 

The incubation period is unknown for most of these agents, however, ringworm of the scalp is usually seen 10 to 14 days after contact, and ringworm of the body is seen 4 to 10 days after initial contact. Since so many species of fungus can cause ringworm, infection with one species will not make a person immune to future infections.

 

Your doctor may prescribe fungicidal tablets to swallow, or powders that can be applied directly to the affected areas. Griseofulvin is an oral medication, commonly prescribed for treatment of fungal infections of the skin, scalp, and nails where topical therapy has failed or is considered inappropriate.

 

Towels, hats, and clothing of the infected individual should not be shared with others. Young children who are infected should minimize close contact with other children until they are effectively treated. When multiple cases occur, seek advice from your local health department.

 

Syphilis

Syphilis, a bacterial infection, is primarily a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Any person that is sexually active can be infected with syphilis, although there is a greater incidence among young people between the ages of 15 and 30 years. It is more prevalent in urban areas. Syphilis is spread by sexual contact with an infected individual, with the exception of congenital syphilis, which is spread from mother to fetus. Transmission by sexual contact requires exposure to moist lesions of skin or mucous membranes.

 

The first sign of syphilis is generally one or more painless sores that become visible at the site of initial contact. It might be accompanied by swollen glands, which develop within a week after the appearance of the first sore. The sore will persist for 1 to 5 weeks and will vanish by itself, even if no medical care is obtained. Roughly 6 weeks after the sore first appears, a person will enter the second stage of the disease. The most likely symptom during this stage is a rash, which might appear on any part of the body: trunk, arms, legs, palms, soles, etc. Other, more generalized symptoms include fatigue, swollen glands, fever, headaches, loss of appetite, and sore throat. These symptoms will last 2 to 6 weeks and will disappear with or without medical care. After the second stage of the disease, the only way syphilis can be detected is through a blood test, although secondary symptoms might sporadically occur again. Persons having syphilis for over four years may suffer from illness in the skin, bones, central nervous system, and heart, and may experience a reduced life expectancy, impaired health, and limited occupational efficiency.

 

How soon do symptoms appear? Symptoms can emerge from 10 to 90 days after an individual becomes infected, though usually within 3 to 4 weeks. Symptoms often go unnoticed or are thought to be minor abrasions or heat rash, thus treatment is not sought.

 

When and for how long is a person able to spread syphilis? Syphilis is considered to be contagious for duration of up to 2 years, perhaps more. The extent of communicability depends on the existence of infectious lesions (sores), which may or may not be visible. There is no natural immunity to syphilis and prior infection lends no defense to the patient. Syphilis is treated with penicillin or tetracycline. The amount of medication a patient must take and treatment depends on the stage of syphilis. Expectant women with a history of allergic reaction to penicillin should undergo penicillin desensitization, followed by appropriate penicillin therapy.

 

Untreated syphilis can lead to destruction of soft tissue and bone, heart failure, insanity, blindness, and a variety of other conditions, which may be mild to incapacitating. Equally as important, a pregnant woman with untreated syphilis will transmit the disease to her unborn child, which may result in death or deformity of the child. Physicians and hospitals are required to test pregnant women for syphilis at prenatal visits. Tests of newborns or their mothers are required at the time of delivery. There are a number of ways to prevent the spread of syphilis:

 

·         Limit your number of sex partners.

·         Use a condom.

·         Carefully wash genitals after sexual relations.

·         If you think you are infected, avoid any sexual contact and visit your local STD clinic, a hospital, or your doctor.

·         Notify all sexual contacts immediately so they can obtain examination and treatment.

·         All pregnant women should receive at least one prenatal blood test for syphilis.

 

Universal Sanitation and Sterilization Precautions and Recommendations for Salon Professionals

Because of the importance to the safety of you and your clients “Universal Precautions” will be covered in both this section on HIV/AIDS and in the section on sanitation and sterilization. This information cannot be stressed enough. Universal Barrier protection, personal cleanliness, and proper disinfection are the three “precautions” that make up the meaning of  “Universal Precautions.”  All three methods must be used to be completely effective.

 

Barrier Protection - Puts a shield between you and your clients.

Personal Cleanliness - Includes washing your hands, keeping your work area clean, etc.

Disinfection - Refers to removing germs from your tools, equipment, and work area.

 

u Hands should be washed before and after client contact, and washed immediately if hands become contaminated with blood or other body fluids. Hands should also be washed after removing gloves.

v Gloves should be worn whenever there is a possibility of contact with body fluids. Personal service workers (e.g., hairdressers, barbers, cosmetologists, massage therapists) should wear gloves when waxing, giving manicures/pedicures, facials, tweezing or any other service that could possibly draw blood.

w Masks should be worn whenever there is a possibility of splashing or splattering of body fluids.

x Both clients and beauty professionals should wear smocks if soiling of clothing or splashing on exposed skin is likely.

y To minimize the risks for exchange of body fluids during resuscitation procedures, pocket masks or mechanical ventilation devices should be readily available where these procedures are likely to be needed.

z Spills of blood or blood-contaminated body fluids should be cleaned up using a hospital level disinfectant approved by the EPA for use on blood spills.

{ Beauty professionals, who have open lesions, dermatitis, or other skin irritations, should not participate in direct client contact and services and should never handle contaminated equipment or supplies, such as towels, smocks, capes, or even used cotton strips.

| Sharp objects such as shears, razors, nippers, tweezers and needles tend to pose the greatest risk for exposure. Contaminated needles and other such disposable objects should be discarded into a puncture-resistant “sharps” container designed for this purpose.  Use a hospital level disinfectant approved by the EPA to wipe implements with a cutting edge to disinfect contaminated reusable objects, such as shears, etc. Another approved method of disinfection is to clean, and then soak in a 1 to 1000 parts solution of an EPA registered quaternary ammonium compound (Quats) for 10 minutes. The EPA has also listed “Lysol” as a killer of HIV. It can be used right out of the bottle to wipe salon surfaces and floors.

 

Safe Disinfecting Practices for the Salon

When disinfecting your salon, it is recommended that you use hospital-quality disinfectants for all tools and instruments. Other disinfecting solutions that have been popular for years, no longer provide the necessary level of germ killing with the onset of Hepatitis and HIV. By using the same types of disinfectants that are used in hospitals, you can help to insure that your salon is free from many of the harmful germs that may be present. When selecting a disinfectant, be sure the product bears the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration label and is hospital level quality.

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References:

Florida AIDS Hotline “AIDS Statistics”, and “History of The Red Ribbon.”

 

National AIDS Hotline: 1-800-342-2437

 

The American Lung Association/ January 2002

http://www.lungusa.org/diseases/lungtb.html

 

Centers for Disease Control,  “Semiannual HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report.”  December 31,2002.

 

U.S. THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Public Health Service: Fact Sheet May 2000

 

National Center for Biological Information

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed/

 

Tuberculosis: “The Connection Between TB & HIV”, CDC Handbook.

 

World Health Organization, “REPORT on the global HIV/AIDS epidemic;” “Global estimates 2002.”

 

Pediculosis.com

http://www.pediculosis.com/problem.html

 

The Centers for Disease Control

http://www.cdc.gov/nchstp/dstd/Fact_Sheets/Syphilis_Facts.htm

 

Schering Corporation: 2002/ http://www.all-about-hepatitisc.com/about/what_is/symptoms.jsp


 

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