Abstract

Occupational exposure to HIV virus is a possibility to all workers working with patients having the virus. This is particularly more apparent when working within the healthcare setting. HIV post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a form of secondary HIV prevention that may reduce the incidence of HIV infection occurring during occupational and non–occupational accidental contact with infectious materials. A lot of studies have shown encouraging evidence of post exposure chemo prophylactic efficacy. It is however not 100% effective in preventing HIV transmission. Apart from the basic universal precautions to minimize occupational exposures to HIV virus, the use of post exposure prophylaxis is important when such exposures do occur.

Key words: Prophylaxis, HIV, Post Exposure, Workers

Article Language: Turkish English