1. All About Blood Borne Pathogens

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

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

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

5. 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

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

7. 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

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

9. 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

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

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

12. 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

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

14. 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

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

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

17. 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

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

19. 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

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