Hiv&Aids, Universal Precaution And The Otorhinolaryngologist In Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION

Human immuno deficiency virus (H.I.V.) and the disease it causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) first discovered amongst homosexuals in America in 1981, has spread to become a global disaster, a pandemic and thus a major public health hazard'. By December 2001, the disease prevalence was 5.8% of the population in Niaeria2 o About 40 - 70 per cent of HIV/AIDS patients do have Head and Neck manifestations requiring Otolaryngological consultation.'. Health care workers (HCW) are at risk for HIV infection through handling sharp instruments contaminated with blood/body fluids of infected persons; also broken skin and mucus membrane exposure is real though significantly lower than needle stick injuries. In addition to these Otolaryngologists are at a high risk during examination; of patients with weeping skin lesions; procedures such as indirect laryngoscopy, arrest of massive epistaxis, and during surgeries (use of drills) which produce aerosols. The risk of HCW contracting HIV at work place is about 0.03%-1.