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AIDS/cleaning up blood

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Expert: Terry B - 10/19/2007


Question
recently had an hiv+ friend stay overnight and she had her moon, it got on
sheets and couch cover. What is the best way to clean these objects to be sure
they are sterile?

Answer
Dear Bellavia:

Peace.  Not sure what her moon is but assume menstrual cycle by your subject.  In general, you should always avoid touching blood - including stained fabric - from folks regardless of HIV known or unknown status.  I would wear gloves and wipe and clean thoroughly with a disinfectant solution (10% bleach in water is sufficient).  Wash afterwards with laundry soap and hot water.  No guarantee on color-fastness of your fabrics; that is probably another forum.  

It is unlikely that HIV would be passed through a casual exposure, yet blood is very dangerous in passing a wide range of infections, and precautions as described are helpful.

Hope that helps.  

Terry

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Terry B

Expertise

Help in assessing personal and professional risk of HIV transmission; tips in teaching about HIV/AIDS; cultural competency for teaching about HIV/AIDS in Catholic settings; considerations in US and overseas HIV/AIDS programs and education for health and other professionals. Specific questions about treatment should be referred to your health provider; opinions and information offered are not meant to replace medical advice

Experience

Seven years with academic medical center and national AIDS education and training center, seven subsequent years with focus on international HIV/AIDS in East and South Africa. Former clinician, bioethics preceptor at an academic medical center and presenter in wide range of fora including international AIDS conference.

Organizations
Disabled American Veterans American Public Health Association MENSA AA

Publications
Human Variety, EC Sociological Society Proceedings of the International AIDS Conference, Durban, South Africa "HIV and Primary Care"

Education/Credentials
BS Psychology MPH Master of Public Health PhD studies underway

Awards and Honors
Naval School of Health Sciences, Hospital Corps with Highest Honors, Neuropsychiatry with Honors and High Distinction

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