The chain of infection

What is a bloodborne disease?

As a first responder, you run the risk of encountering bloodborne pathogens.  

 

Exposure to bloodborne pathogens can occur through many mechanisms: needle sticks, being splashed with blood or body fluids on the mucous membranes (the mouth, eyes, and nose), even in some cases human bites (although the risk of transmission via human bites is extremely low). However, contact with bloodborne pathogens falls into two main categories:

 

  • Direct – via an open lesion on the skin or mucous membrane

  • Indirect – via punctures by contaminated sharps or needles

 

 

Bloodborne pathogens enter the body through:

 

  • Blood

  • Other potentially infectious materials (OPIMs), such as:

    • Body fluids

    • Amniotic fluid

    • Semen

    • Vaginal fluids

 

 

Common bloodborne diseases of which first responders need to be aware include:

 

  • Hepatitis B

  • Hepatitis C

  • Hepatitis D

  • AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)

 

 

If you are exposed to a bloodborne pathogen or think you have been exposed, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early follow-up helps to clarify your risks of developing disease, improves your physician’s ability to treat you, and helps in any subsequent decisions regarding compensation.

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