Occupationally, HIV can be contracted through blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) in the same manner as HBV and HCV.
HIV is also spread in the community in the same manner as HBV and HCV:
- Via a puncture with a contaminated sharp, such as a needle
- Sexual contact
- From a mother to her child before or during birth
After an occupational exposure to HIV, the chance of becoming infected is usually less than 1%. However, blood and body fluid that contain high numbers of viral particles are more hazardous. Because of the extremely serious nature of HIV, it is vital to take every precaution to avoid workplace exposure.