Hi. I am a CNA with a nursing home in my town, and I've found out that I have performed care on a resident with HIV/AIDS. My question is... Can HIV/AIDS be transferred by urine, or a bowel movement? And what if the one who has HIV/AIDS has a rash, HIV/AIDS can be transferred by mucuous membranes, am I at risk? What about cleaning urinals? What all ways can you get the infection in my line of work? Please help. Thanks

Hello,

1. Can HIV be transmitted by urine or feces? No, not unless they contain visible blood.

2. Are you at risk if the HIV-positive patient you cared for had a rash? No.

3. HIV can permeate mucous membranes. This is true. Consequently you should avoid getting HIV-infected bodily fluids on your mucous membranes.

4. "What about cleaning urinals?" Well, what about it? I'm sure it's not the most pleasant of your tasks as a CNA, but as indicated above, urine cannot transmit HIV, unless it contains visible blood.

5. As for ways you might contract HIV occupationally as a health care worker, I would suggest you review the information at the following Web site: http://img.thebody.com/cdc/pdfs/pep_guide.pdf. I would also remind you that basic universal precautions must be followed when caring for any patient. You should review the universal precautions guidelines, policy and procedures at your agency.

Good luck.

Dr. Bob