HSV diagnosis in the health care field

[FutureRDH]

So, I am a dental assistant and have dreamed of being a RDH and a year ago I was diagnosed with HSV-1 and I am distraught I have since left the health care field because I fear getting pricked by instruments. Of being an occupational hazard and having to disclose my diagnosis to my employer. I am just wondering are there any people in the dental field or medical field that have a diagnosis of hsv1 and it hasn't affected their everyday work like? 

[Disc0rdant]

It shouldnt.  The low risk of transmission from you doing something like eating and forgetting to wash hands after is almost completely eliminated with gloves.  

70-80% have ohsv1.  You should be more concerned about getting a virulent strain on your hands of hsv2 or another strain of hsv1(highly unlikely)

Many old dentists didnt know about hsv and either got it, passed it or both on their hands.

I would not be concerned at all.  

[WilsoInAus]

14 minutes ago, FutureRDH said:

So, I am a dental assistant and have dreamed of being a RDH and a year ago I was diagnosed with HSV-1 and I am distraught I have since left the health care field because I fear getting pricked by instruments. Of being an occupational hazard and having to disclose my diagnosis to my employer. I am just wondering are there any people in the dental field or medical field that have a diagnosis of hsv1 and it hasn't affected their everyday work like? 

This has no impact on any profession at all. You do not need to disclose your HSV status to any employer. Oral HSV-1 is actually an assumed risk given it is present in the majority of the population.

Being pricked by instruments is no issue regards your HSV.

HSV is no impediment to following any of your dreams and that is especially true of employment.

And no, many dentists do not have HSV-1 on their hands. A mere fraction might.

[FutureRDH]

What I am scared of is the rushing within a dental office and that one time it's a patient with HIV-AIDS or Hepatitis and getting pricked. I know how to be careful but it's just a fear and worry now because your 50% more likely to be infected if exposed to it.  Just concerning. But thank you for your insight!  

[WilsoInAus]

That has little to do with your HSV-1 infection. And no that is not true regarding HIV. There is some evidence that HSV-2 antibodies may facilitate HIV taking hold in the blood stream, however there is no evidence this applies to HSV-1 antibodies.

[FutureRDH]

Do young have and link to some material regarding this matter because I have read otherwise which is why I have been so hesitant on furthering my career in the dental field also I thank you for replying to my post!! 

[notjejune]

I'm not a medical or legal expert and can't advise you in that regard... just wanted to say - follow your dreams, girl!

[AusHopeful]

I'm in the medical field. Your HSV1 should have no bearing on your career. I have hsv 1 oral and genital and it has zero bearing on my job. I work with critically unwell people and am just as careful as I was before to avoid a needle stick or exposure to bodily fluids. Please don't let this virus hold you back. 

[FutureRDH]

Thank you all for replying 

[Disc0rdant]

11 hours ago, WilsoInAus said:

This has no impact on any profession at all. You do not need to disclose your HSV status to any employer. Oral HSV-1 is actually an assumed risk given it is present in the majority of the population.

Being pricked by instruments is no issue regards your HSV.

HSV is no impediment to following any of your dreams and that is especially true of employment.

And no, many dentists do not have HSV-1 on their hands. A mere fraction might.

I was talking about my childhood dentist who didnt use gloves for 50 yrs of his 60 yr career.  Now, few if any have it.  Previously, some had it on hands.

[lali]

I work in a medical lab and I don't see the point on disclosing it to my work place. There's no risk if you prick yourself. Like someone has mention that is only for HIV and hep C and that would be harmful to you not the patients. Only way I see this being a problem in the sense that you would have to take more precaution as in wearing gloves and washing your hands would be if you play in someone's mouth or you work with small children.

Edited March 5, 2017 by lali