My patient had HIV and the flu but wore mask incorrectly

Nurses Safety

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So the other day I had a patient with hiv who was there for the flu. He was on droplet precautions but for some reason I was told to wear an n95 mask. He has no history of tb. Why would I need an n95 mask? Another concern is I realized I was wearing the mask wrong the first time I went into see him to do his assessment. The mask didn't cover over my mouth...stupid me but i hadn't wore one before. I can't get hiv through droplets from him having the flu can I? I know I could be at risk for the flu for not wearing the mask right. Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I'm very paranoid about this now...thank you!

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Specializes in tbi.

Im unsure, lets think about this.. how is hiv transmitted.

Think when an hiv person gets a cold do we place them in isolation

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Blood, seceretions but was told if they cough you can't get it through that way.

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no............HIV is blood borne so unless he is spewing a massive amount of blood laden saliva directly onto an open wound or in your mouth your probably fine.......and even then your risk would be pretty low.

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I thought we put them in isolation for their own protection

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Did you just ask if you could get HIV through droplets??

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Do you think the n95 mask is more so for his protection? Because I've always just wore a regular mask for flu patients

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Specializes in tbi.

n95 for tb pt./// regular mask.. is needed.

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Specializes in Primary Care, OR.

I think you can rest easy tonight

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Specializes in Ortho.

You need to go to employee health and get fitted for an N95 which is for airborne precautions.

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Specializes in Emergency/Cath Lab.
Do you think the n95 mask is more so for his protection? Because I've always just wore a regular mask for flu patients

You really need to go home and do some homework

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HIV is blood or body secretion and isolation was not for HIV. HIV AIDS and hep c are standard precautions

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