HIV and AIDS affects all of us either directly or indirectly. Whether you are aware of it or not, you may have a friend, relative, co-worker or partner who has HIV, the virus which causes "AIDS".

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) cross all social, cultural, geographic and economic barriers. No one-old, young, married, single, male, female, heterosexual, or homosexual is immune from contracting the disease.

AIDS is caused by the HIV virus which breaks down the body's immune system, leaving an infected person vulnerable to a variety of life-threatening illnesses. It is these secondary illnesses that can be fatal to the AIDS patient, not the HIV virus itself. Although AIDS is a very serious and deadly syndrome, the HIV virus itself is fragile outside the body and is not easily transmitted from one person to another. In fact, HIV can be spread only through sexual contact or direct blood-to-blood contact. It cannot be transmitted through casual contact with an infected person in the home, office or work setting. You cannot catch it by using an infected person's phone or pencil. It is helpful to remember that since the United States began screening its blood supply, the chance of getting HIV from a transfusion is extremely small. You cannot get HIV from giving blood.

HIV is passed from one person to another in the following ways:

• By having unprotected sexual intercourse (either anal, vaginal or oral sex) with an infected person.
• By sharing needles, syringes, or other drug "works" with an infected person.
• By passing the virus to her infant during pregnancy, birth, or in some cases, breast feeding by an HIV positive person.
• By passing the virus to her infant during pregnancy, birth, or in some cases, breast feeding by an HIV positive mother.

You can protect yourself from the HIV infection by doing the following:

• Not having sex.
• Using a latex condom correctly every time you have sexual intercourse (either anal, vaginal or oral) which greatly reduces the risk of infection.
• Not using IV drugs or not sharing needles, syringes, or other drug paraphenalia to inject drugs.
• Also, don't reuse needles for body piercing or tattooing.

Check with your health care professional about your specific concerns.

In The Workplace

With today's medical treatment, people with HIV are living and working longer. A great many people with HIV survive for ten years or more prior to developing "AIDS"-the syndrome associated with debilitating symptoms. With proper treatment, infected persons can manage the HIV positive status as a chronic, long-term condition, similar to many other medical conditions. Consequently, many people with HIV can work and lead productive lives for years.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) includes protection for people with HIV infection including AIDS, or those perceived as having HIV or AIDS, from discrimination in employment practices. The ADA also prohibits discrimination by private organizations that serve the public. HIV/AIDS policies and education can help the workplace to avoid discriminatory behavior.

Are you afraid of contracting HIV from a co-worker, customer, or client? Do you understand how a person contracts the disease and how to protect yourself? Through understanding what the real risks are, you can be more confident of your safety at work, and more understanding towards a co-worker who is infected with the HIV virus. To show your support of an HIV positive co-worker:

• Maintain a good working relationship.
• Respect that person's confidentiality by avoiding gossip.
• Be willing to listen if your co-worker wants to talk.
• Be non-judgmental.
• Treat your HIV+ co-worker like you would treat any other co-worker.
• Include that person in social activities such as going to lunch, company parties, etc.
• Be aware that as AIDS progresses, you co-worker may become physically limited. You may want to offer help during these periods, as you would to any person who is ill.
• Remember that your EAP can be a source of support for you or your co-worker.

Resources

The Whitman/Walker Clinic is a local resource which offers a wide range of services including testing, medical services, and mental health services including support groups. For more information please call (202)797-3500.

Centers for Disease Control 24-hour hotline: 1-800-342-AIDS
Provides confidential information, referrals and educational materials.

Clearinghouse 1-800-458-5231
Provides a "Manager Kit" which includes information on policies and programs, organizational resource listings, and prevention programs.

Written by Helene King, Ph.D., CEAP
Edited by Trish Christian, M.N., RN, CS, CEAP and Brenda Campbell

CopeLine is published by COPE, Inc.
1120 G Street NW #550
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 628-5100
1-800-247-3054