POST-EXPOSUREPROPHYLAXIS INSTRUCTIONS

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Surveillance Guidelines: Due to the circumstances and possible exposure to HIV, HBV, and HCV, a student enrolled in the nursing program is considered as being at risk for these viruses given the amount of clinical learning the student will be engaged in. While it is not anticipated that any students will acquire any of these illnesses, any student deemed to be exposed to any of these illnesses will need to be under surveillance for six months from the date of exposure. During the surveillance period there are certain precautions that AUHS School of Nursing, the Center for Disease Control, and the World Health Organization recommend that the student practice to protect his/herself and other

1.  Each student is responsible for contacting his/her health care provider within two (2) to four (4) hours of exposure to discuss and arrange for the appropriate testing and post exposure prophylaxis.
2. If a student has not been vaccinated against Hepatitis B, he/she should start the series of vaccinations immediately.
3. If a student was previously vaccinated for Hepatitis B and his/her blood test demonstrates adequate concentrations of HBs antibodies, he/she will be considered protected against the Hepatitis B virus. If they are shown to be lower than the required levels, the student should receive a Hepatitis B vaccine booster.
4. For exposure to HIV, at student should have blood test done for HIV antibodies at: a) time of exposure, b) four (4) to six (6) weeks after exposure, c) three (3) months following exposure, and d) 6 months (6) or as recommended by his/her health care provider. The student should also follow his/her health care provider’s recommendation for testing for Hepatitis B and C.
5. If a student is exposed to the HIV virus, he/she should use condom protection whenever engaging in sexual intercourse and should take precautions to prevent pregnancy from
   occurring while under HIV surveillances
6. If a student has been exposed to any of the above-named illnesses, he/she should temporarily remove themselves from being an organ donor, as indicated on the back of his/her driver’s license and refrain from donating blood until there is no longer any suspicion of infection.
7. If a student is exposed to the HIV virus, he/she should notify his/her health care provider and dentist that he/she is under HIV surveillance program.
8. Each student should be constantly diligent about practicing Universal Precautions as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control.
9. A student entering any surveillance program for any of the above-mentioned illnesses should discuss the matter with his/her spouse or significant other.