Hi Donna,
In a previous life ;) I was an occupational health nurse at a large teaching hospital which had a dental division. They treated a large number of HIV+ clients. Being the occupational health nurse the staff of the hospital were my "clients". I would say I saw needlesticks on a daily basis and the highest department with needlesticks? Dental.

We offered post-exposure prophylactic (PEP) meds to the staff member while we obtained consent to have the source tested for HIV, Hep C & Hep B. Do you know if this mom was offered any (PEP) ? Or if the source was tested? Of course the meds would have to be checked with a reliable source such as Dr. Thomas Hale's website/book. As well we provided safe sex counselling (condoms, risky behaviors, no sharing of toothbrushes, razors, etc.) we also checked bloodwork at the time of incident, 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 6 months.

I can remember (as of 7-8 years ago) with counseling the worry was not so much HIV but rather Hep B or C. The studies back them showed a much, much higher risk for these than HIV. Most health care workers in Canada have been immunized against Hep B, so it was Hep C that was the concern. We know women with Hep B and C can breastfeed. Maybe the pediatrician does not know this? Here is a link from the CDC http://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/disease/hepatitis.htm

If the mom has an occupational health unit/department or infectious disease department at a local hospital she could contact I would suggest she do this to discuss her concerns and discuss PEP. Although PEP ideally is started within hours of exposure.

Hope this helps.
Camilla Aviss RN, BHSc(N), CCCE, IBCLC & DOHN (diploma occupational health nursing)
www.multiplereasons.com
Oakville, Ontario, Canada


Oakville, Ontario, Canada

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