health care workers today. AIDS is a challenge, not only because it is a communicable disease with no known cure, but also because of the complex emotional, social and moral issues it involves -- issues that can interfere with both patient care and personal relationships.

By knowing the facts, addressing and sharing your feelings, you can still be the kind of caregiver you entered the profession to be.

As a health care professional, you will have frequent contact with people with AIDS. It is natural for you to be worried about AIDS. The possibility of needlesticks and exposure to blood and body fluids, plus the added stress of working around people with AIDS, are enough to make you concerned about the risks of yourself, your family and friends.

In fact there is very little risk of contracting AIDS at work if you follow the universal infection control precautions recommended by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia and our local Hospitals.

Health care workers who are giving care to persons with AIDS may have conflicting feelings about their patient's lifestyles or have an unwillingness to care for anyone with AIDS.

It is important to examine these feelings and try to resolve them. We should not be pre-judgemental. Patients can sense this in the caregiver and react, either by displaying aggressive and non-compliant behaviour, or by becoming withdrawn. We must recognise the feelings of patients. Some have a fear of being admitted for care because to them it is a sign of disease progression.

They may feel they are losing control over their previously "well'' status.

Persons with AIDS have the same needs as any other person with a life-threatening illness. Sometimes they may require extra special care and attention because of the stigma associated with AIDS.

It is vitally important that health care workers take care of their own needs as well. Protect yourself in the workplace by following universal precautions.

Recognise signs of stress and burn-out. Talk to other professionals about your feelings. Learn stress reduction exercises or form a support group for caregivers.

In conclusion, it must be emphasised that the strictest confidentiality must be maintained at all times, not only because it is a patient's right, but it also allows the patient to trust the care given to them, thereby building a unique and special relationship between the patient and the health care professional. Rhonda C.K. Daniels Nurse Epidemiologist Department of Health.