Risks and issues for the health care worker in the human immunodeficiency virus era.

Abstract

The perception of degree of risk can vary markedly from actual risk. About 5% of the cases of AIDS and HIV infection in the United States have occurred in health care workers, a percentage that has remained stable over time. Nearly all of these infections are related to lifestyle factors, not occupational risk. The rise of occupational transmission is greatest with parenteral injuries. If there is an HIV risk to patients, it appears to be very much smaller than the risk to workers although it has received even more publicity. Apprehension exists concerning the future framework of the medical care delivery system and who will care for whom. The sensitive handling of legitimate fears and the balancing of conflicting risks will continue to be a challenging task in the decades ahead.