HIV is not transmitted casually. Despite its ability to shut down the human immune system and cause death, HIV is quite fragile. Although HIV infection is communicable, it is not highly contagious. The virus does not easily survive once outside the body. Only the most intimate forms of human contact, such as sexual or bloodstream to bloodstream contact, cause transmission. No emergency worker has been reported to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) as contracting HIV clearly as a result of job-related activity. However, because they are often in situations where they run a higher than normal risk of exposure to disease, emergency workers should be concerned. CDC guidelines to prevent AIDS exposure include using soap and water to kill disease viruses; avoiding needlesticks, cuts, or other punctures of the skin; using pocket masks and rubber gloves to prevent exposure to disease viruses; and exercising caution with every person handled. 14 references, resource directory, and glossary