Dermatologic surgery and human immunodeficiency virus disease.

In summary, the statistically greater risk of disease among health care workers who suffer occupational needle sticks or similar exposure to contaminated blood remains hepatitis. Routine vaccination of health care workers who are at risk for exposure to hepatitis B, combined with common-sense implementation of risk management behaviors should reduce the chances of occupationally acquired blood-borne disease to levels of acceptable risk. The practice of medicine has never been without risk to the health care worker who is engaged in direct patient care, and the present epidemic is no exception. Collective action to minimize the impact of HIV disease continues to be the prudent and compassionate course of action.