Bloodborne pathogens are diseases that can be transmitted through contact with an infected person's blood or other bodily fluids. Any time you have direct contact with these substances, you could be exposed to the disease. In this article, we'll discuss what bloodborne pathogens are and how to reduce your risk of infection if they infect someone you know.
What are bloodborne pathogens?
Bloodborne pathogens are viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms that can be transmitted from one person to another through blood. These pathogens include hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), HIV/AIDS, and human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV).
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an RNA virus that causes acute or chronic liver disease. It's transmitted through contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids such as semen, vaginal secretions, and saliva. The incubation period for hepatitis B is between six weeks to six months after exposure to the virus; however, there have been cases where symptoms took up to 20 years to appear after the initial infection.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) belongs to the same family as HBV but has different modes of transmission: blood transfusions were responsible for most cases prior to 1992 when screening became mandatory; then IV drug use took over until 2010 when needle exchange programs began distributing clean needles instead of sharing used ones among users at risk for contracting HCV due by sharing contaminated equipment like razors used for shaving cocaine into lines before snorting it up their noses into nostrils where mucus membranes absorb drug particles directly into bloodstreams via capillaries located near nostrils' openings. Once inside the bloodstream, these particles travel throughout body tissues causing inflammation and damage wherever they end up lodging themselves due.
The risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens is real.
The risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens is real. However, it's important to understand that the risk of getting an illness or dying from a bloodborne pathogen is low. Exposure can happen in any workplace where there are needles and other sharp objects used for medical procedures, such as injections and blood draws. In healthcare settings, this includes hospitals, ambulances, and clinics; other workplaces include dentists' offices and veterinary hospitals.
If you get injured by a contaminated needle or cut yourself with one (e.g., during cleaning), there is a chance you could become infected with HIV/AIDS or hepatitis B virus (HBV). Other types of infections caused by contact with infected bodily fluids include: West Nile virus infection; syphilis; tetanus; rabies; herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1); human papillomavirus infection (HPV); intestinal parasites such as Giardia lamblia (also known as "beaver fever").
How are bloodborne pathogens spread?
Bloodborne pathogens are spread through direct contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids, such as semen, vaginal secretions, and saliva. Contaminated needles and other sharp instruments can also be a source of infection if they are used to penetrate the skin and then not properly disposed of or cleaned. In addition, accidental needle sticks occur when a contaminated needle pierces the skin of another person during medical procedures such as drawing blood or giving shots. Infected animals can also transmit these diseases to humans through bites or scratches (e.g., rabies).
There may be no immediate symptoms of exposure to bloodborne pathogens but it's important to know that there is no cure for HIV/AIDS; so even if you don't have any signs today doesn't mean that tomorrow won't come with them!
What are the symptoms of exposure to bloodborne pathogens?
The symptoms of exposure to bloodborne pathogens can be mild or severe. They may be short-lived and easily treated, or they might last for a long time. In some cases they're fatal.
The most common symptoms include fever, chills, fatigue, muscle aches and pains, nausea, and vomiting; diarrhea may also occur. These symptoms are similar to those caused by many other illnesses so it's important that you understand how to tell if your illness is related to a bloodborne pathogen infection before seeking treatment for it (see below).
If you think that you have been infected with HIV or another infectious agent through contact with another person's blood during an injury or health care procedure then see your doctor immediately after the incident if possible--within 24 hours--for testing.
How can you prevent infection from bloodborne pathogens?
You can prevent exposure to bloodborne pathogens by following these guidelines:
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, and goggles. This will help keep you from coming into direct contact with potentially infectious materials.
- Avoid contact with blood or other bodily fluids whenever possible. If you do come into contact with them, wash your hands immediately with soap and water for at least 20 seconds -- even if you don't think there is any chance that there may be any infectious material on them.
- Follow safety procedures at all times when working around blood or body fluids in order to minimize the risk of exposure to infection-causing microorganisms; this includes using universal precautions such as wearing gloves when handling potentially hazardous materials like needles or syringes that might be contaminated with bloodborne pathogens such as hepatitis B virus (HBV) or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Understand what bloodborne pathogen exposure is and how to prevent it.
Bloodborne pathogens are a serious risk to your health, and there are many ways you can avoid exposure.
- Understand what bloodborne pathogen exposure is and how to prevent it: Bloodborne pathogens include hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and HIV. They're transmitted through contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids such as semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk.
- Use standard precautions at all times: Standard precautions include wearing gloves when handling potentially infectious materials; using impermeable gowns when working with patients who may be infected; washing hands before leaving a patient's room; protecting yourself from needle sticks by using needleless IV equipment whenever possible; avoiding unnecessary contact with body fluids during procedures such as taking vital signs, drawing blood samples or administering medications when possible without compromising patient care
Conclusion
Exposure to bloodborne pathogens is a real risk, but there are ways to protect yourself. If you understand the signs and symptoms of infection, you can take action quickly if they appear. And by knowing how bloodborne pathogens spread, you can take steps toward preventing exposure in the first place.