2.4. How do I protect myself from HIV infection when taking care of a person with HIV?

It is not easy to get HIV when you take care of someone who is HIV positive. But it is important to protect yourself as much as possible.
See 1.5 What increases the risk of becoming infected?
* Do not touch body fluids such as blood, stool or urine without wearing gloves or plastic bags on your hands.
* Wash the gloves or plastic bags in hot water every time after you've used them.
* Do not share needles, razors or toothbrushes.
* Keep all open sores clean and covered.
* Keep clothes and bedding with blood, diarrhea or body fluids away from other washing.
* Wear plastic bags or gloves on your hands when you work with dirty washing.
* Wash the bedding and clothes in soapy water. Hang them where there is a lot of sunshine. Make sure the washing dries well.
* Burn any bandages that cannot be re-washed.
* Keep the sick person's mattress clean by covering it with a plastic sheet.
* Wash the sheets, blankets and pillows as often as you can. Wipe the plastic sheet with a hot, wet cloth.
* If you are helping a colleague or friend who has cut him/herself at work, wear protective clothing such as gloves to treat a wound.
* Remember - you cannot see if someone is living with HIV, so protect yourself.


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