Grade 12 Healthcare

Disease-causing microorganisms carried in the host's blood Transmitted from one host to another through contact with infected blood, tissue, body fluids, or mucus membrane

Blood Blood products (plasma) Human tissue Semen Vaginal Secretions Saliva from dental procedures Cerebrospinal fluid (from around brain and spinal cord) Breast milk

Only viable source of transmission if contains traces of blood: Feces Nasal secretions Perspiration Tears Urine Vomit Saliva

Needle sticks from needles used on an infected person Any body opening of an uninfected person Cuts or abrasions on the skin of the uninfected person A transfusion with infected blood

Viral infection of the liver Five Strands: HAV, HBV, HCV, HDV, HEV

RISK FACTORS Sexual Contact Intravenous Drugs Hemophilia (disorder) Receiving hemodialysis – procedure where toxic wastes are removed from a patient’s blood

THREE STAGES OF INFECTION (1) PRODROMAL STAGE: Nausea & Vomiting OR not symptoms at all – no intense symptoms yet (2) JAUNDICE: 5-10 days after infection (yellowing of eyes, skin, mucus membrane) (3) CONVALESCENT: 2-3 weeks after infection (Symptoms intensify)

SYMPTOMS Jaundice Diminished appetite Fatigue Nausea Joint pain Stomach pain Vomiting…

DIAGNOSIS Investigation of risk factors & blood tests

PREVENTATIVE MEASURES Avoid contact with contaminated substances, take universal precautions and vaccinations

Health care professionals Law enforcement officers Firefighters Barbers Cosmetologists

Then answer the following questions with your partner: Do you think health-care workers are more or less susceptible to BBPs? Why or why not? What can you do as a health-care worker to keep yourself safe from BBPs? Should health-care workers notify their colleagues if they are working with a patient with a BBP ? Why or why not? (remember to consider patient confidentiality) How would you advise your patients to stay protected from BBPs? How do you avoid “picking up” BBP(s) when travelling?