To avoid AIDS infection, healthcare workers should take which precaution?

Avoiding contact with a patient's body fluids is crucial for healthcare workers in preventing the transmission of HIV, which causes AIDS. Body fluids can contain the virus, and exposure can occur through mucous membranes, breaks in the skin, or direct contact. This precaution is vital during various interactions with patients, including routine procedures, not just during surgery.

While wearing gloves, limiting interactions, and regular sanitation are important practices in infection control, they do not specifically address the direct risk associated with bodily fluids associated with HIV transmission. Therefore, prioritizing the avoidance of contact with body fluids is a fundamental strategy in protecting against HIV infection. This approach ensures that healthcare workers are safeguarding themselves from potential exposure in any situation where contact with a patient's fluids could occur.