Nancy
This is a risk/benefit type situation and it is ultimately your decision, 
but I would not advise you to stop breastfeeding. The situation, as you 
described it, carries a very low risk of contacting HIV, or hepatitis. You 
might want to contact an infectious disease specialist or even an HIV 
specialist to hear from an expert what your relative risk is.
I am not sure about prophylactic treatment in these low risk situations, but 
you could also look into taking the anti-retroviral (I think) meds that are 
sometimes given.
Not to give you a lecture, but just a reminder, so you (hopefully) don't 
have to go thru this again, treat your dry irritated hands aggressively, 
even seeing a dermatologist to get your hands healed, and wear gloves - you 
may have to wear non-latex or non-powdered; it is worth finding and keeping 
a box that agrees with you in your area. I hate the dry winter weather and 
dry indoor air during winter and all healthcare workers have to contend with 
these hand problems, esp. in winter.

Laurie Wheeler, IBCLC, MN, RN
Mississippi, s.e. USA

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