Introduction
As a migrant worker, you're likely to come into contact with bloodborne pathogens. This is especially true if you work in the healthcare or food services industry. If you're not familiar with this topic, it can be overwhelming and intimidating. But don't worry! We've put together this guide to help you understand what bloodborne pathogens are, how they work, and how to protect yourself from exposure.
What are bloodborne pathogens?
Bloodborne pathogens are viruses and bacteria that can be transmitted through contact with blood. The most common examples of these pathogens include hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.
The difference between bloodborne pathogens and other types of pathogens is that they're transmitted through bodily fluids like urine or feces, as opposed to airborne particles like pollen or dust. However, these infections still pose a serious threat to your health if you're exposed to them at work or school--so it's important that you know how they spread so you can take steps toward preventing them!
How do bloodborne pathogens get into your body? They enter through cuts in the skin (which could happen when you're working with sharp objects), open sores on the face or hands (from washing dishes), punctured eardrums from loud noises at work, etc... Once inside our bodies they multiply until we become sick enough for doctors' attention - but by then it may already be too late because some types of this virus cause death within 48 hours after being infected with them!
How do you get exposed to bloodborne pathogens?
- Exposure to blood or other body fluids
- Needles, syringes, and other sharp instruments
- Blood contact (i.e., splashes)
- Body fluids on clothing or skin (i.e., splashes)
- Injection and transfusion equipment that has been used on someone infected with HIV or HBV
- Sharing of needles or other items contaminated with the blood of an infected person
Contaminated surfaces: - Dirty laundry baskets - Bed linens - Soiled towels - Restroom floors
Waste disposal: - Dirty laundry bags used for transporting clothes from patient rooms back to the laundry room for cleaning; these must be disposed of properly.
What are the symptoms of exposure?
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Joint pain and muscle aches, which may be severe enough to interfere with your ability to work normally and lead to loss of work time. In some cases, the illness can be severe enough that you need medical attention at a hospital emergency department or urgent care clinic. Your doctor might prescribe antibiotics if they think the infection is caused by bacteria rather than viruses (for example, shigella or salmonella). Sometimes there are no symptoms at all; this is called "asymptomatic infection." The risk of getting sick after being exposed depends on how much virus is in your body when it gets inside you (the dose) and how strong/resistant you are against getting sick from viruses in general (your immunity). For example: People who have HIV/AIDS have very low levels of antibodies against some common viruses like influenza A virus so they're more likely than others with normal immune systems
How can you protect yourself from getting exposed?
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect yourself from exposure.
- Follow universal precautions, which include wearing gloves, masks, and eye protection when handling blood or bodily fluids.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after working with patients who are known to have infectious diseases that can be transmitted through contact with blood or other body fluids.
- Don't share needles, syringes, or other items that come into contact with bloodborne pathogens unless you have been trained in proper needle-handling techniques and know how to safely dispose of used equipment in accordance with local laws and regulations.
- Don't drink beverages while working in an area where there is a risk of exposure; this includes both alcoholic beverages and nonalcoholic ones such as coffee cups filled with soda pop.
- If possible, avoid eating while working on contaminated surfaces because food particles may get into cuts on the hands (and therefore into open wounds) which then could become infected by being exposed to pathogens.
- If there's any chance at all that you might have been exposed during work hours (such as if someone else has cut themselves), immediately report it so that appropriate treatment can begin right away - this includes seeing a doctor immediately if symptoms appear within 24 hours after exposure
Safe practices for migrant workers
- Always use protective equipment:
- Always wash your hands with soap and water after working with blood.
- Wear gloves when handling blood or sharp objects that may cut you, such as needles, scalpels, and syringes.
- Use sharps containers (like a box with a lid) to dispose of needles instead of throwing them in the trash where someone else could get stuck by them later on. If there are no sharps containers available at work sites where migrant workers are employed then bring some from home so they can be used during breaks or lunch hours if needed!
Conclusion
In short, bloodborne pathogens are a serious concern for migrant workers. The best way to protect yourself is by learning as much as possible about these diseases and how they can affect your health. If you have any questions or concerns about your own situation, it's important that you talk with a doctor about what steps should be taken next.