Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn
Catholic Education Office

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

Related Policies:

Infectious diseases
First Aid

Purpose:

To provide guidelines for schools in relation to the inclusion and support of students with AIDS and the school.

Policy:

Students who have AIDS should not be discriminated against or excluded from any school activity.

Definitions:

AIDS

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a group of illnesses which occurs as a result of a weakened immune system in people who are infected with HIV. HIV positive people can feel well and remain without symptoms of the illness for many years. Without appropriate treatment of HIV, AIDS can occur several years after a person becomes infected with HIV.

HIV

(Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus which destroys the body's natural ability to fight infections and some cancers.

HIV may be transmitted when infected blood or other bodily fluids get into a person's bloodstream.

Blood Borne Virus

For the purpose of this Policy the term blood borne virus includes, but is not limited to, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV).

Procedures:

1. School staff and volunteers should exercise due care when dealing with blood spills according to the procedures set out in the First Aid policy.

2. It is not necessary to keep the child at home (unless she or he has a secondary infectious disease, eg tuberculosis (TB)).

References:

Nil

Forms:

Nil

Last updated on December 2, 2006