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AFSCME members very often work in places where they have contact with the general public. In places where there is a lot of AIDS, people can become nervous about being around other people who might be AIDS patients or who might be carrying the disease.

But, as we’ve learned earlier, the AIDS virus, HIV, lives only in blood or in body fluids that contain blood. There is no danger of catching the AIDS virus from being around people who may be infected — unless there is blood present. Therefore, even if a person with AIDS sneezes or coughs on you, there is no blood present and there is no chance of catching AIDS.

The same is true for co-workers who might have AIDS or be infected with HIV. Unless there is blood involved, there is no chance of passing on AIDS. Sharing a computer keyboard, using the same phone or copying machine, handling the same files or papers, using the same tools or equipment, traveling in the same vehicle or being in an enclosed elevator does NOT put someone in danger of catching AIDS. The same is true for using a drinking fountain or bathroom facilities: Unless there is transfer of blood, there is no chance to transfer AIDS.

In a situation where there might be blood or some other infectious fluids around, after the blood or other fluid is exposed to the air and dries out, the virus is usually destroyed. But, since some of the virus may still be alive, it is smart to use the protective gloves. Common cleaning materials, such as bleach and water, and ammonia cleansers will destroy and dissolve the AIDS virus within 30 seconds after contact. So in a health care or residential facility where personal body fluids might be around, using effective cleaning agents will dissolve the virus and wash it away.

A person who is cleaning personal body fluids should always wear latex or heavy rubber cleaning gloves to provide barrier protection.

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