Occupational Hazards Of HIV And Its Prophylaxis

摘要

Doctors currently recommend a four-week preventive treatment with zidovudine and lamivudine for health professionals accidentally exposed to HIV-infected blood. Preliminary research has shown that the average risk for infection (0.3%) after an injury involving HIV-infected blood can be reduced by nearly 80% with preventive treatment. The risk may be higher for those repeatedly exposed to infected blood and if the virus level in the exposed blood is high. Treatment with indinavir may be advisable if the exposure is extensive or if the infected patient carries a virus resistant to treatment.