There is low risk of exposure to HIV in the environment since the virus does not survive well outside of the human body. HIV is not transmitted by casual contact in the workplace. The risk of acquiring HIV from an HIV contaminated needle stick is about 3 in 1000. There is currently no vaccination available for HIV. If infection occurs, seroconversion usually occurs within 2 to 6 weeks (sometimes longer). Mononucleosis-like symptoms appear in 50% to 75% of infected persons after 3 to 6 weeks. It may be several months or years before acute symptoms occur from suppressed immune response and susceptibility to opportunistic organisms develops.

UCSF Medical Center - Annual Review for RNs - Infection Control: Including Compounding of Medications - 2 -