HIV/AIDS

Supporting Information

An unsterilized needle or syringe can pass HIV from one person to another. Nothing should be used to pierce a person's skin unless it has been sterilized.

People who inject themselves with drugs or have unprotected sex with injecting drug users are at high risk of becoming infected with HIV. People who inject drugs should always use a clean needle and syringe, and never use another person's needle or syringe.

Injections should be given only by a trained health worker. For each child or adult being immunized, a new or fully sterilized needle and syringe should be used.

Sharing needles and syringes with anyone, including family members, may transmit HIV or other life-threatening diseases. No one should share needles or syringes. Parents should ask the health worker to use a new or sterilized needle for every person.

Any kind of cut using an unsterilized object such as a razor or knife can transmit HIV. The cutting instrument must be fully sterilized for each person, including family members, or rinsed with bleach and/or boiling water.

Any instrument that is used to cut a newborn's umbilical cord must be sterilized. Particular care should be taken when handling the placenta and any blood from the delivery. Protective (latex) gloves should be used if available.

Equipment for dental treatment, tattooing, facial marking, ear piercing and acupuncture is not safe unless the equipment is sterilized for each person. The person performing the procedure should take care to avoid any contact with blood during the procedure.