Introduction

This study session gives you the opportunity to learn about another aspect of this condition, which is especially important to you in your work as a health professional. In particular, you will learn about:

• the basic principles and procedures of universal precautions
• infection-prevention methods in healthcare settings
• post-exposure HIV prophylaxis
• measures to be taken when a health professional suffers a needle-stick injury
• referral for post-exposure prophylaxis for someone who has been raped.

You need to learn about infection prevention because the procedures to be described are very important for your daily work in your health facility, and in the community at large. In particular, the guidance we give here will mean that you are unlikely to become infected with HIV and other blood-borne infectious agents through occupational exposure during your work as a health professional.