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Article: Surgeons and HIV: South African attitudes.(Original Articles)(Report)
- Article from:
- South African Medical Journal
- Article date:
- February 1, 2009
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2009 South African Medical Association. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) have had a considerable impact on society. (1) South Africa has an estimated 5.7 million adults and children living with HIV, and an estimated 350 000 AIDS-related deaths in 2007. (2)
The initial focus of risk in the medical setting was on health care workers (HCWs) (and surgeons in particular), (3) but the emergence of HIV-positive HCWs resulted in concerns that also included patient safety. The perceived risk to patients appeared to have been overstated, especially in view of the advent of antiretrovirals that reduce viral load and infectivity. (4)
Following initial ...