You work in healthcare, and you give your employee’s safety training regularly. But what about you?
Bloodborne viruses are a health risk that all healthcare workers face. Yet many of us are under-educated on bloodborne pathogens and how they spread. That makes us more susceptible to picking up a virus on the job.
But what is a bloodborne pathogen, and what are the different modes of transmission?
Read on to have all the facts to protect yourself in the workplace.
Direct Contact
Bloodborne diseases, such as HIV, hepatitis B, and C, can be spread through physical contact with an infected person’s blood or body fluids. Common activities can also present a high risk. This includes things such as tattooing, piercing, and medical and dental procedures. It is also possible to get infected by contact with contaminated surfaces like carpets, beds, linens, and even toilets.
Contact With Blood or Other Infectious Materials
These materials include semen, vaginal secretions, peritoneal fluid, amniotic fluid, and saliva in dental procedures. These can contain viruses or bacteria that can be infectious and can spread to other persons if contact occurs. Thus, it is important to take protective measures.
Thus, it is important to take protective measures. Wear protective clothing such as gloves, and masks when handling these materials. Also, practice good hygiene.
This includes washing hands with soap and hot water after contact with these materials. This helps to prevent the spread of bloodborne pathogens.
Contact Via Contaminated Surfaces and Objects
It can occur when an item is touched, or when body fluids, such as saliva or mucous, are touched. Contaminated surfaces and objects may also cause infection when blood or bodily fluids come into contact with breaks in the skin. This includes cuts and abrasions.
It is so important when at work or in any public area, to use proper hygiene. Follow safety protocols while interacting with any contaminated surfaces.
To lower the risk of potential transmission, sanitize the surfaces and materials. It should always occur when handling any blood or bodily fluids item. The best practice when it comes to contact via contaminated surfaces and objects is prevention.
Contact Through Air or Water Droplets
These droplets can carry a variety of different pathogens. This includes viruses, bacteria, and parasites. They can be transmitted through coughing, sneezing, talking, or any activity that causes water to become airborne.
Maintain good hygiene practices such as washing hands with soap and water. Avoid contact with anyone who may be carrying a bloodborne pathogen. This is an important measure to prevent the spread of infection.
Also, MyCPR NOW’s Bloodborne Pathogens Certification course helps equip key workers such as healthcare professionals, first responders, and others with vital knowledge of protecting themselves from contact with infected human blood or other bodily fluids.
Know the Different Bloodborne Pathogen Modes of Transmission
As we have seen, the primary modes of transmission for bloodborne pathogens are contact with contaminated blood, needles, and other fluids. Employers and workers must follow safety models to prevent potential infections.
Get vaccinated and practice proper safety protocols. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the risks of infection. Following these practices can help keep workers safe and healthy. For more information, contact your local health department.
Check out our other blog posts for more health and lifestyle tips.
