Download UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS What is Universal Precautions? Blood

UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS
What is Universal Precautions?
Universal Precautions means treating all blood or body fluids contaminated with
blood as though infected with a blood borne pathogen.
Blood borne Pathogens
A blood borne pathogen is a microorganism carried by human blood or other
body fluids. The two most common are Hepatitis B virus and the HIV virus.
Modes of Transmission
Blood borne pathogens can cause infection by entering your body through: open
cuts or scrapes; mucous membranes of your mouth, eyes or nose; accidental
injury thru contamination with a sharp object. Blood Borne pathogens cannot be
transmitted through casual contact i.e. shaking hands or using the same kitchen
or bathroom.
Types of blood borne pathogens
Hepatitis B-. It is an inflammation of the liver caused by the Hep B virus (HBV)
∙ Infection not always apparent-can go undiagnosed or be misdiagnosed
∙ Is vaccine preventable (three shot series)
∙ Symptoms include: fatigue, loss of appetite, fever, achy muscles or joints,
nausea/vomiting, jaundice (yellowing of eyes/skin), dark urine and light colored
stool
∙ Can lead to cirrhosis or cancer
∙ Some people who develop become “carriers” and are infectious for the rest of
their lives.
Hepatitis C- currently the most common type of viral hepatitis in US
∙ Leading cause for liver transplants
∙ No cure
∙ No vaccine to prevent
∙ Symptoms similar to Hep B
∙ Symptoms may take decades to show up. Called the “silent epidemic”
Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV)∙ Virus attacks the immune system leaving the body unable to fight off other
diseases
∙ No vaccine available
∙ Treatment is available
∙ Symptoms include: swollen lymph nodes, recurrent fevers, night sweats, rapid
weight loss/muscle wasting, fatigue.
Time Line
∙ Hep B-blood test does not immediately become + if a person is infected. Usually
able to detect 1-2 weeks after exposure
∙ Hep C- can take up to three months to detect in the blood.
∙ HIV-can take 2 weeks to 6 months to show up +
Body Fluids that Potentially transmits these diseases:
∙ Blood
∙ Semen
∙ Vaginal secretions
∙ Breast milk
∙ Fluids that surround internal organs
∙ Body fluids that transmit disease only if contaminated with blood
o Saliva
o Urine
o Feces
o Vomitus
o Sweat
o Tears
Survival outside the body:
∙ Hep b-may survive in dried blood 1-2 weeks and possibly longer
∙ Hep C- limited info
∙ HIV- begins to die off almost immediately once it is outside the body and
exposed to air
Modes of Transmission
Non-occupational
∙ Sexual contact
∙ Sharing needles
Occupational
∙ Opening in the skin-if skin is intact it is a good barrier. Broken skin as potential
for transmission if infected fluids get in-cut or rash where skin is broken. Risk is
well below 1 % if infected blood or body fluids get into an opening of the skin
∙ Through mucus membranes (eyes, nose, mouth)-if infected fluids get splashed
into mucus membranes, also < 1 % chance of infection
∙ Needle stick, sharps, broken glass, braces, knives, sewing needles and
razors-chance 0.3% of being infected with HIV. Risk of getting Hep B 30%
assuming you haven’t been vaccinated. Hep C 2 %.
∙ Bites-Hep b is the only virus shown to be transmitted by bites.
Universal Precautions
∙ Consider all persons potentially infectious
∙ Consider all body fluids infectious
Means of Prevention
∙ Hep B vaccine is 90% effective
∙ No other vaccines available for Hep C/HIV
Tips to Consider
∙ Protect yourself-cover open cuts
∙ Have gloves on hand for field trips/in classroom/recess
∙ Use a barrier-better than nothing
∙ Have student self treat-apply pressure and wash hands
Personal protective equipment
∙ Hand washing is the most important way to prevent infection; but always
remember to use gloves when you anticipate coming into contact with blood or
body fluids contaminated with blood.
∙ Avoid touching the outside of contaminated gloves when removing them.
Throw gloves away and wash your hands
Disinfecting
∙ Call custodian for clean up for all spills
∙ Wear gloves if you need to clean up spill
Common sense
∙ If you find a “sharp” call office/me and I will come with sharps container
∙ Student with bloody nose uses large amounts of tissues, send them to me for
disposal
IF AN EXPOSURE OCCURS
∙ If body fluids get in eyes/mouth/nose/opening in the skin-flush with
water (soapy if on skin)
∙ Seek medical attention/call me
** Have gloves and tissues on hand at recess