All About Blood Borne Pathogens

What are blood borne pathogens? Infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease in humans

What are the three most common blood borne pathogens? Hepatitis B Hepatitis C Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Who is at risk for exposure to blood borne pathogens? First Aid Providers Nurses Doctors Physical Therapists Fitness Professionals Athletic Trainers

How can someone become infected with a blood borne pathogen? Being stuck by a needle or other sharp object that has touched blood or bodily fluids of another person If blood or bodily fluids touch mucous membranes or an open sore or cut Passed from person to person through semen, vaginal secretions, synovial fluid, saliva

Hepatitis B: What is it? Irritation and swelling of the liver due to infection

Hepatitis B : Symptoms Appetite loss Fatigue Low fever Muscle and joint aches Nausea and vomiting Yellow skin and dark urine Symptoms may not appear for up to 6 months Symptoms should go away in a few weeks to months if your body is able to fight off the infection If severe can lead to liver damage

Hepatitis B : How do you get it? See question 44

Hepatitis B : How is it treated? Unless severe no treatment is needed Liver and bodily functions are monitored through blood tests If conditions worsen anti-viral drugs may be prescribed

Hepatitis B : How can you prevent it? Utilize OSHA’s standard precautions

Hepatitis C: What is it? Viral disease that leads to swelling of the liver due to infection

Hepatitis C: Symptoms Pain in the right upper abdomen Abdominal swelling Clay-colored or pale stools Dark urine Fatigue Fever Itching Jaundice Loss of appetite Nausea and vomiting Long term Hepatitis C can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer

Hepatitis C: How do you get it? See question 44

Hepatitis C: How is it treated? Blood tests are used to check for Hepatitis C Antiviral drugs If cirrhosis or liver cancer develops a liver transplant may be recommended

Hepatitis C: How can you prevent it? Utilize OSHA’s standard precautions

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): What is it? Virus that attacks the immune system

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): Symptoms Fever Sore Throat Headache Muscle aches and joint pain Swollen glands Skin Rash Extreme tiredness Weight loss Night sweats **People may mistake the symptoms for the flu or mono

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): How do you get it? See question 44

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): How is it treated? Blood and saliva tests are used to check for HIV There is no cure for HIV, but treatment can keep virus levels low and help maintain the immune system. The drugs used to treat HIV can cost up to $15,000 per year

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): How can you prevent it? Utilize OSHA’s standard precautions