People exposed to HIV include:
(1) sex partners
(2) people who share syringes to inject drugs
(3) people with other significant exposure to the source’s blood and body fluids
Issues related to partner notification:
(1) The network of contacts can be large and complex. This means that a search for partners may need to extend into a broad range of settings if as many contacts as possible are to be reached.
(2) The exposure risk may extend to other infectious diseases – hepatitis B, hepatitis C, tuberculosis, other sexually-transmitted diseases.
(3) Contacts of a recent HIV seroconverter has the best chance of avoiding infection.
(4) The name of the HIV-infected person who is the source is not given.
A person following up with contacts should:
(1) be nonjudgmental
(2) maintain confidentiality
(3) help the partner to determine his or her risk
(4) explain the benefits of being tested and treated
(5) offer voluntary testing
(6) counsel in the ways to reduce transmission and avoid exposures
(7) follow-up with the partner and provide support
(8) explain the resources available
