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Yes, it is safe. A person cannot get HIV/AIDS just by being around someone who has it. Persons with AIDS who have fever, diarrhea, or pain need special care. This can usually be given without risk to the caregiver. To prevent spreading the virus, avoid touching blood, open sores, bloody diarrhea, or bloody vomit from an AIDS patient. In these cases, wear rubber or plastic gloves if possible. If you don't have gloves use a piece of plastic, paper or even a big leaf to protect your hands. Wash your hands often. Use normal care when handling dirty things, but take special care when handling bloody clothes, bedding, or towels. Wash them in hot soapy water, or add some chlorine bleach. Actually, an AIDS patient is in much more danger from being around other people than they are from being around him. Other people may bring infectious diseases with them and give them to the sick person. The person weakened by AIDS cannot fight off the new disease germs. Even a cold spread by sneezing and coughing can be very dangerous for the AIDS patient. Try not to go near an AIDS patient when you are sick yourself. What is a Christian's responsibility to those who have HIV/AIDS?Christians should serve those who are sick with AIDS. Jesus' command was to visit the sick. The true follower of Christ shows His love to others. Often they are sick through no fault of their own. Sometimes they get the disease because of their own sins. In either case, they need the prayers and care of Christian people. Often sick people realize they are close to death. Christians can help them get comfort and courage. They may need to discuss life, sin, repentance, baptism and forgiveness. Christians can help with all these things. Whatever the reason, they need kindness, compassion and physical care. They need to be touched the way Jesus touched the leper. They need someone to bring them food and to pray with them. Sometimes the children need attention. In some countries AIDS is wiping out the middle generation of people. The older generation is being left to care for the young children.
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