The world is focused on stopping the spread of COVID-19 via social distancing and lockdowns and encouraging vaccinations.
Other threats are also worth mentioning, particularly with the increase in anti-COVID19 jabs – bloodborne diseases.
This article focuses on the basics of bloodborne pathogens.
What are Bloodborne Diseases?
Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Needlesticks and other sharps-related injuries may expose workers to bloodborne pathogens
Bloodborne diseases are caused by pathogenic microorganisms that can be infective. These include viruses and bacteria found in blood and other bodily fluids. These fluids could be potentially infectious:
- Vaginal secretions
- Semen
- Saliva
- Pleural Fluid (covers your lungs)
- Cerebrospinal Fluid surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
- Amniotic Fluid (that surrounds unborn babies)
- Synovial Fluid is responsible for lubricating your joints.
- Peritoneal Fluid (lubricates the abdominal cavity and abdominal wall and covers most abdominal organs).
- Anybody Fluid visible to be contaminated by infected blood
Hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV, HCV) and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are the most prevalent bloodborne pathogens. These three are the most common and the most dangerous and destructive.
These three are not the only pathogens that can be transmitted through an infected person’s blood or bodily fluids, which could include brucellosis, syphilis, and others.
Some pathogens can be bloodborne, but they aren’t always clearly classified. The vector-borne diseases include the Zika virus, West Nile virus, and Malaria. However, the virus can be found in infected blood.
Unlike HIV and brucellosis, these pathogens are not spread from one person or another. Other methods instead infect people.
Infected mosquitoes feed on infected birds, spreading the West Nile virus.
The Spread of Infection and the Risks
Uninfected individuals can become infected by bloodborne pathogens if they contact infected blood.
A simple contact does not necessarily mean that you will get infected immediately. The lowest chance of infection is with healthy skin.
It’s best to avoid it whenever possible.
The highest risk of infection is from direct contact with infected blood.
The two main transmission routes are by sharing hypodermic needles or sexual contact.
Mothers infected with bloodborne pathogens can pass them on to their unborn children. When the placental barrier no longer protects the baby, the risk increases.
Even without traditional sex, contact between the mucus membranes in the eyes, nose and mouth can transmit bloodborne pathogens.
These infectious pathogens can be contracted in many ways in a healthcare setting.
These include:
- Punctures made from broken glass and sharp medical tools
- Sticks for needles
- Contact with bodily fluids or blood accidentally caused by broken skin or mucus membranes
- For example, a patient who coughs up bloody stool may have ingested contaminated aerosols
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Who is at Risk?
The highest risk of getting infecte by bloodborne pathogens is healthcare professionals and public safety workers.
Even non-healthcare workers can be expose while giving first-aid to injured coworkers and coming into contact with blood or body fluids.
Here is a shortlist of professions at risk from accidental exposure to bloodborne pathogens:
- Direct patient care providers, such as doctors and nurses
- Staff and medical laboratory researchers
- Dental assistants, dentists, and hygienists
- Cosmetologists and Dermatologists
- Paramedics and firefighters, EMTs and other first responders
- Rehab and nursing home healthcare providers
- Enforcement of the law
- Medical equipment technicians
- Volunteers for blood drives and staff at blood and tissue banks
- Mortuary staff and morticians
- Teachers, school nurses, and school staff
- Construction workers
- Tattoo artists and piercing
- Housekeeping, janitorial and laundry workers
Anyone who has to contact blood or potentially contaminated objects such or syringes is at risk for bloodborne pathogens.
How long can pathogens live outside the body?
It depends on the virus. Bloodborne viruses can survive for several days or even weeks still cause infection.
Even dried blood can transmit the hepatitis C, B viruses for as long as 4 days up to a week.
Stopping the Spread Of Bloodborne Pathogens
Bloodborne pathogens can be a serious threat to your health. It would help if you took precautions to prevent them from spreading.
All blood and bodily fluids should be treate as contaminate with infectious bloodborne pathogens.
Employers should set up safety protocols in the workplace.
Individuals at high risk wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, gloves, eye shields, and gowns.
Also, you have approved sharp, biohazar containers. It would help if you disposed of needles and syringes properly. Between uses, disinfect surfaces and re-used items thoroughly.
Anybody at risk for exposure to bloodborne pathogens must undergo training and pass the bloodborne pathogen certification exam. Ensure that you continue to receive education and training on these pathogens.
Personal precautions should not be use with the same intravenous injection needle. Get a trusted provider if you get a piercing done or a tattoo.
To avoid cross-contamination, ensure that the professional use gloves.
Never take on sexual risk. Be selective about your partners and take protection.
Handling Exposure To Bloodborne Pathogens
Even the most cautious person can be expose to bloodborne pathogens accidentally.
What should you do if you come in contact with any of these pathogens?
It’s essential to act quickly. Wash the affected area immediately with soap and water. You can make an open wound bleed by gently squeezing the area with soap and water.
If the fluid becomes infected, you can wash your eyes with saline and sterile water.
After cleaning, you should seek immediate medical attention. It doesn’t matter if it happened at work. Follow the workplace policy and document the incident.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires employers water offer free follow-up appointments and have post-exposure assessments by the OSHA.
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Blood-borne pathogens can cause a wide range of serious diseases fatal without immediate medical treatment or there is no known cure yet.
We hope that this article will equip you with sufficient knowledge. Understanding about hemorrhagic pathogens and diseases. That way, you can adequately protect yourself and others from serious infections.
