Deadly Bloodborne Diseases Hepatitis B (HBV) Hepatitis C (HCV) Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

HBV Half of those infected have no symptoms Most recover completely 10% become chronically infected Easily transmitted disease No cure, prevented with a vaccine.

HCV Most of those infected have no symptoms 85% have chronic infections No preventative vaccine Antiviral drugs may be effective in some cases.

HIV Attacks immune system Infected remain apparently healthy for many years Some infected people develop AIDS No preventative vaccine.

Transmission of Bloodborne Pathogens Spread most easily through contact with blood Other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) Commonly transmitted through sharing needles, unprotected sex and mother to unborn child before or during birth.

Standard Precautions Treat all blood and OPIM as though infected with bloodborne pathogens Universal Precautions Body Substance Isolation practices.

Gloves Replace and dispose of single- use gloves Remove gloves properly Never touch outside of glove with bare skin Wash hands with soap and warm running water.

Safe Work Practices Follow Exposure Control Plan Clean all blood and body fluids immediately Disposal.

Housekeeping Clean and decontaminate Never use your hands to pick up broken glass Handle contaminated laundry as little as possible Regularly inspect and decontaminate containers.

If You’re Exposed Wash skin area with soap and warm water Flush exposed mucous membranes with clean water Report incident to designated person.

Quiz Circle the correct answer. 1.True or False – HCV and HIV pose a greater risk than HBV because they’re more easily transmitted. 2.True or False – Many people infected with HCV and HBV have no symptoms at all. 3.True or False – Many people infected with HIV remain apparently healthy for many years. 4.True or False – HBV, HCV and HIV spread most easily through contact with blood. 5.True or False – At work, you can be exposed to these viruses only through unprotected sexual contact with someone who is infected. 6.True or False – Your school district may have an Exposure Control Plan that details blood borne pathogen safety measures. 7.True or False – Cover hand cuts or skin abrasions with gloves before school. 8.True or False – Hand washing is your number one protection against infection and keeps you from infecting other people or objects. 9.True or False – An Exposure Control Plan lists specific methods and schedules for cleaning environmental surfaces possibly contaminated with infectious materials. 10.True or False – The first thing you should do if exposed to blood or other potentially infected material is to report the exposure to the designated person.