Below are two templates for two-way communications about HIV/AIDS in the workplace:

• For the employee
• For the manager
  
  These are guidelines are meant for Human Resource Managers, but can serve as good guidelines for all staff to communicate well.

HIV/AIDS: A Guide for Employees

Introduction
What Are HIV Infection and AIDS?
The Trends
Who Is At Risk?
What Activities Are Considered "High Risk"?
Could I Get HIV Infection After Only One Encounter?
Is the virus spread through any casual contact
Isn't Information About AIDS Changing? Are the Experts Always Right?
Is There A Test For AIDS?
Should I Take The HIV Antibody Test?
Will the Results Be Confidential?
What If I Test Positive?
What If A Coworker HAS HIV Infection Or AIDS?
How Can I Make Sure I Don't Become Infected With HIV?
 

HIV/AIDS: A Guide for Managers

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) are a regional – and worldwide – epidemic.  The disease affects everyone.  We all need to understand how HIV is spread.  And how it is not spread.  Everyone needs to help prevent the virus from spreading. 

You may already know – or soon will know – someone living with HIV infection or AIDS.  The person may be a coworker, an employee, neighbor, friend, or family member.  You may be concerned about him or her. 

The more you understand HIV infection and AIDS, the better prepared you will be.  You may need to change your habits or activities to prevent the spread of the virus.  You should understand how to deal with friends, coworkers or family members who are infected. 

The facts and information contained here may help.  We hope that you will read it thoroughly and discuss the information with others.  If you have more questions, ask your physician or healthcare provider.  Also, check the resources available online by visiting: www.abconaids.org.

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What Are HIV Infection and AIDS? 

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.  If you are infected with HIV, it does not mean that you have AIDS.  HIV is a life-long infection that weakens the body's natural ability to fight off diseases.  A blood test can determine whether a person has been exposed to HIV.  Someone who is infected with HIV is called "HIV positive."  Over time, a person who is HIV positive cannot fight infections that someone with a healthy immune system can resist. 

HIV infection progresses in stages.  As time passes, the HIV-positive person becomes more vulnerable to illness.  These illnesses may include: severe pneumonia, cancer, damage to the nervous system, extreme weight loss and blindness.  AIDS is the most serious stage of HIV infection.  To have AIDS, a person must be HIV positive and have infections or diseases such as the ones listed above.  About half of the people with HIV infection develop AIDS within 10 years, but the amount of time between infection with HIV and the onset of AIDS can vary greatly.  HIV Infection can be prevented.  If a person is HIV positive, he or she can delay the onset of AIDS through early intervention and improved medical treatment.

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The Trends 

HIV infection and AIDS are changing the lives of people everywhere.  But, no one knows the long-term impact.  We do know that the number of deaths is growing.  HIV infection is spreading throughout the region. 

• In 2002, it is estimated that more than 400,000 individuals in the Asia region had died of AIDS.
• The Singapore government estimates that since 1985, 2034 Singaporeans have been infected.
• HIV infection and AIDS are continuing to rise in China, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea.

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Who Is At Risk? 

All people can place themselves at risk.  Today, scientists know that the real danger is high-risk behavior.  HIV infection and AIDS can be prevented by changes in behavior. 

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What Activities Are Considered "High Risk"? 

HIV infection is spread through blood, semen or vaginal secretions.  HIV is transmitted when the blood, semen or vaginal secretions of an HIV-infected person come into contact with another person's blood stream.  Scientists tell us that people are at risk of becoming infected if they: 

• Have sexual intercourse (vaginal or anal) with an infected person without using a latex condom.
• Have oral-genital contact (mouth to penis, vagina or rectum) without protection, with an infected person.
• Use any un-sterile drug injection device (hypodermic needles or syringes, bulbs, "cookers" or "works" that have been used by an infected person).
• Use un-sterile needles in other situations, such as tattooing or body piercing.

In some cases, women who contracted HIV infection before or during pregnancy have transmitted the infection to their babies.  And in a few cases, mothers have passed HIV through breast milk. 

Before 1985, some people became infected through a transfusion of blood or blood products or an organ transplant.  Today, the risk of infection through blood transfusions is very slight.  In 1985, a test was developed to detect the virus in blood.  Today, virtually all blood is tested; infected blood is discarded. 

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High-Risk Activities – It Doesn't Matter Who You Are 

Remember: Risky behavior can transmit HIV.  Some people who take part in high-risk activities have a false sense of security.  They may not identify their activities as "high risk."  For example: 

• Some men have occasional sexual contact with infected women or men.  These men may be married.  Married men who have sex with other men usually do not think of themselves as homosexual or bisexual.  These men may falsely think they are not endangering themselves or their sexual partners.
• Many intravenous drug users never participate in "street" drug activities.  They may believe they are not at risk.  But, if they share injection equipment with others, they may become infected.  And they can infect others.  These people as well as their sexual and drug-using partners are at risk for HIV infection.

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Could I Get HIV Infection After Only One Encounter? 

Yes.  It takes only one high-risk encounter to become infected with HIV.  You can be infected after one experience of unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person.  Sharing needles with an infected person a single time can transmit HIV.  Don't place yourself at risk.  Always take precautions.  HIV does not survive easily outside the body.  It is not transmitted through air, food, or water. 

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• Sharing the same household or work environment with someone infected with HIV.  Exposing  skin surfaces during touching, hugging or sharing clothing, furniture or office equipment.
• Eating food touched by an infected person or breathing the same air as someone infected with HIV.
• Sharing a bathroom, including toilet seats, with someone infected with HIV.
• Light kissing or mouth-to-skin kissing.
• Paper Cuts.
• Mosquito bites.

Scientists have studied hundreds of households of people with AIDS.  They wanted to find out if the infection could be transmitted only through casual contact.  In all of those households, HIV was transmitted only through sexual contact or from infected mothers to their infants – never through casual, everyday contact.  Children also were included in this study.  They shared bottles, beds, and eating utensils with infected brothers and sisters, and did not become infected. 

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Isn't Information About AIDS Changing? Are the Experts Always Right? 

For more than 10 years, scientists have made new discoveries about HIV infection and AIDS.  But one piece of information has never changed – how the disease spreads.  Scientists have confirmed and reconfirmed this for more than 10 years.  The basic facts about HIV transmission and prevention are sound.  They can be trusted. 

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Is There A Test For AIDS? 

The term "AIDS test" is misleading.  There is a test that can determine whether a person is infected with HIV.  The test detects the presence of antibodies to the virus.  (The body produces antibodies to fight foreign elements, such as a virus.)  HIV antibodies are a sign of the infection; but over time they do not protect you from the virus. 

• Some people who do not have AIDS or its symptoms will test positive.  They have been infected with HIV and may develop AIDS in the future.  Even if a person tests positive for HIV, the test cannot predict when someone will develop AIDS.  Some people have been HIV positive for years without developing AIDS.
• A person can be infected with HIV for several months before developing antibodies that will yield a positive result.  Even with a negative test, the person could infect sexual or drug-using partners.  If you have engaged in high-risk activities in the past, seriously consider testing and begin to practice safe behavior.
• If you test negative, continue taking precautions.  Don't place yourself at risk of becoming infected.

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Should I Take The HIV Antibody Test? 

You should decide after careful consideration. 

• A positive test result alerts you to seek medical care early.  The earlier you know about a positive result, the sooner you can take advantage of preventive treatment.  These treatments can help strengthen the body and delay the onset of AIDS.  Testing may be appropriate for some people, including those who:
• Have engaged in high-risk behavior.
• Are considering becoming parents.
• Wish to inform their past sexual partners if they are infected.
• Think it would help them adopt safer sex practices or stop using injectable drugs.
• Are considering enlisting in the armed forces, foreign service, Job Corps or other settings where testing is mandatory.

Counseling is important when both preparing to take the test and when dealing with test results.  A person who knows a lot about HIV infection and AIDS can talk with you about the test and its meaning.  The counselor also may ask you about your sexual and/or drug-using partners if the result is positive.  Look for a testing site that offers counseling before and after your test. 

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Will the Results Be Confidential? 

Some clinics offer both anonymous testing and confidential testing.  Anonymous tests can never be traced back to you.  The Department of Sexually Transmitted Diseases – Anonymous Test Site can be contacted for testing times by calling 6293-9648. They are located at 31 Kelantan Lane.

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What If I Test Positive? 

If you test positive, see your doctor or health care provider immediately.  You will receive guidance on how to cope with the disease.  Remember that emerging medical options, including medicines, can help strengthen your body.  They can slow the progress of HIV infection and delay or prevent life-threatening conditions. 

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What If A Coworker HAS HIV Infection Or AIDS? 

If someone you know has HIV infection or AIDS, you may feel anxious.  That's a normal reaction.  People with HIV infection or AIDS also feel anxious about their health and about how coworkers will treat them. 

Be supportive of coworkers with HIV infection or AIDS.  If you have a close relationship, you can let the person know you are concerned and offer support. 

• Most people with HIV infection or AIDS are able to function normally and independently.  They want to live and work without being singled out or harassed.  They need your understanding and sensitivity. 
• Let the person with HIV infection or AIDS decide whom to tell about their situation.  Do not spread rumors or gossip about someone with HIV infection or AIDS. 
• People infected with the virus have damaged immune systems.  Be careful not to expose them to your colds or coughs.  Even a minor cold can be dangerous to someone with HIV infection or AIDS. 
• Your coworkers may have a spouse, family member, life-partner or close friend with the virus.  Be supportive of them.

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How Can I Make Sure I Don't Become Infected With HIV? 

Avoid high-risk behavior.  Protect yourself and your partner(s).  Learn how to use a latex condom.  If you, your spouse or sexual partner share needles or syringes, learn how to clean them. 

If you think you have HIV infection or AIDS, see your health care provider at once.  If you do not have a physician, consult the workplace health office, your local community AIDS organization, local health department or a hospital for a referral.  If you think someone you know might have HIV infection or AIDS, advise them to get more information and give them the number of the AIDS Hotline.

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HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) are a national – and worldwide – epidemic.  The disease affects everyone.  We all need to understand how HIV is spread.  And how it is not spread.  Understanding the facts about HIV infection and AIDS will help you protect yourself, your employees and your business. 

You may already know – or soon will know – someone living with HIV infection or AIDS.  The person may be a coworker, an employee, neighbor, friend, or family member.  You may be concerned about him or her. 

The more you understand HIV infection and AIDS, the better prepared you will be.  As an employer, manager or supervisor, you may be called on to respond to questions from your employees about HIV infection or AIDS.  You need to be prepared. 

The facts and information contained in this portion of the guide will help.  We hope that you will read it thoroughly and discuss the information with others.  If you have more questions, check the resources section of this guide for more information. 

BACK to TOP

What Are HIV Infection and AIDS? 

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.  If you are infected with HIV, it does not mean that you have AIDS.  HIV is a life-long infection that weakens the body's natural ability to fight off diseases.  A blood test can determine whether a person has been exposed to HIV.  Someone who is infected with HIV is called "HIV positive."  Over time, a person who is HIV positive cannot fight infections that someone with a healthy immune system can resist. 

HIV infection progresses in stages.  As time passes, the HIV-positive person becomes more vulnerable to illness.  These illnesses may include: severe pneumonia, cancer, damage to the nervous system, extreme weight loss and blindness.  AIDS is the most serious stage of HIV infection.  To have AIDS, a person must be HIV positive and have infections or diseases such as the ones listed above.  About half of the people with HIV infection develop AIDS within 10 years, but the amount of time between infection with HIV and the onset of AIDS can vary greatly.  HIV Infection can be prevented.  If a person is HIV positive, he or she can delay the onset of AIDS through early intervention and improved medical treatment.

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How is the Workplace Affected by AIDS? 

It has been clearly shown that AIDS has a direct impact on business due to increased costs, loss of productivity, and the overall threat to the economies in which we operate. HIV/AIDS is reaching epidemic proportion in many parts of Asia. HIV/AIDS is a bottom-line issue that impacts a company’s economic, social and human resource interests and should be managed as any other business issue in the workplace.

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Is There A Risk of HIV Transmission in the General Workplace? 

Scientists have studied hundreds of households of people with AIDS.  They wanted to find out if the infection could be transmitted only through casual contact.  In all of those households, HIV was transmitted only through sexual contact or from infected mothers to their infants – never through casual, everyday contact.  Children also were included in this study.  They shared bottles, beds, and eating utensils with infected brothers and sisters, and did not become infected. 

What If An Employee Or Coworker Has HIV Infection Or AIDS? 

If an employee or coworker has HIV infection or AIDS, you may feel anxious.  That's a normal reaction.  People with HIV infection or AIDS also feel anxious about their health and about how their employers and coworkers will treat them. 

Be supportive of employees and coworkers with HIV infection or AIDS.  If you have a close relationship, you can let the person know you are concerned and offer support. 

• Most people with HIV infection or AIDS are able to function normally and independently.  They want to live and work without being singled out or harassed.  They need your understanding and sensitivity.
• Let the person with HIV infection or AIDS decide whom to tell about their situation.  Do not spread rumors or gossip about someone with HIV infection or AIDS.
• People infected with the virus have damaged immune systems.  Be careful not to expose them to your colds or coughs.  Even a minor cold can be dangerous to someone with HIV infection or AIDS.
• Your employees or coworkers may have a spouse, family member, life-partner or close friend with the virus.  Be supportive of them.

As An Employer or Supervisor, Do I Inform Employees That A Coworker Has AIDS? 

Absolutely not, the person has a right to expect confidentiality. 

Remember, there is no risk of transmitting the virus through casual contact in the workplace.  Thus, you do not need to let others know.  Leave the decision about informing others to the person with HIV infection or AIDS.  Refer concerned coworkers to your company's human resources office for policy and legal guidelines. 

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