BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS. San Antonio Independent School District Student Health Services

Transcription

1 BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS San Antonio Independent School District Student Health Services References: Champion, C, Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens, Implementing OSHA Standards in the School Setting. 2005, National Association School Nurses Publication, Castle Rock, CO. Selekman,J. School Nursing a Comprehensive Text. 2007, FA Davis Company, Philadelphia

2 Why are we talking about Bloodborne Pathogens? Texas law requires schools educate all employees annually.

3 OBJECTIVES You will learn: What are Bloodborne pathogens (BBP) How are BBPs transmitted Ways to prevent exposure to BBPs What to do if you are exposed to a BBP

4 What are Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP)? A wide variety of viruses and bacteria present in the blood and/or other secretions of infected persons The virus/bacteria enters the body through non-intact skin and mucous membranes Examples of Bloodborne Pathogens include: Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV

5 Hepatitis and the Liver The liver breaks down waste products in your blood. When the liver is inflammed it doesn t do a good job of getting rid of waste products. One waste product in the blood is bilirubin. When a person is infected with hepatitis, bilirubin begins to build up in the blood and tissues and it can make the skin and/or whites of the eyes of the infected person turn a yellow color. This is called jaundice.

6 Hepatitis B is a Bloodborne Pathogen Inflammation of the liver; can become chronic causing cirrhosis, liver cancer and death Caused by transmission of blood from an infected person to an open wound/mucous membranes of a non-infected person Commonly transmitted by needlesticks, IV drug use (sharing needles), and unprotected sex with an infected person Pregnant women infected with Hepatitis B can also pass the virus to the unborn child Virus can remain on surfaces for weeks A 3 dose vaccine is available Infants receive the first vaccine of this series at one day of age.

7 Hepatitis C is a Bloodborne Pathogen Inflammation of the liver which can lead to chronic liver disease or liver cancer and ultimately may require liver transplant Caused by transmission of blood from an infected person to a non-infected person. Blood Transmission by needlesticks, IV drug use, body piercing and tattooing Pregnant women infected with Hepatitis C can also pass the virus to the unborn child Virus can survive in dry blood for several days There is no vaccine to prevent Hepatitis C

8 HIV/AIDS is a Bloodborne Pathogen The HIV pathogen attacks the immune system of the infected person decreasing their ability to fight infection There is no cure Transmitted by sexual contact, IV drug abuse (sharing needles) Not transmitted by casual contact Virus is weak and will not survive long out of the body or on surfaces Drugs available assist in reducing the effects of the virus but the person is still infectious

9 How HIV/AIDS is NOT transmitted Shaking hands Insect bites Eating utensils Toilets Furniture Hugging Sneezing Coughing Other casual contact that does not permit exchange of body fluids

10 Transmission of a Bloodborne Pathogen Blood from a person infected with Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV can enter the body through Cut Scrape Broken skin (dermatitis) Needlestick

11 Transmission of Bloodborne Pathogen in the school setting: Direct contact of infectious body fluids with open skin lesions Direct contact of infectious body fluids to mucous membranes Puncture wounds with a contaminated object.

12 Activities That May Lead to Exposure: Assisting with nose bleeds Bites that break the skin Breaking up fights Cleaning up bloody waste Rendering first aid and other instances involving blood

13 Standard Precautions Treat everyone as if they have a Bloodborne Pathogen When body fluids are present, always wear protection (gloves) Wash hands after removing gloves for seconds with soap and running water Replace gloves if they have a tear Clean blood spills with approved disinfectant as soon as possible Call for help to clean up large spills If spill is large, section off area to protect students and others from exposure

14 First Aid Cleaning Procedures If possible, help the injured student or staff member to care for himself Create a barrier between yourself, blood and body fluids that may contain blood Clean all surfaces, soiled items with approved cleaners (obtain from custodial staff) Dispose of all soiled gloves and other barrier materials in a sealed plastic bag Re-useable items (clothing) should be sealed in plastic until laundered and when removing clothing for laundry wear protective gloves Remove gloves and wash hands with soap and running water for seconds

15 Now that I have been EXPOSED to a Blood Source, What Do I Do? Wash area profusely with soap and water Get assistance to clean and dress the exposed area/wound Report exposure to school secretary who will notify SAISD Risk Management for direction Follow direction by SAISD Risk Management and your doctor If you need Hepatitis B vaccine, you will be told when to begin series and if you will need further testing

16 SAISD Post Exposure Vaccination Program Hepatitis B Vaccine is offered at no cost to employees as part of workers compensation It is greater than 90% effective against Hepatitis B It is activated when the exposure is reported The series is 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine over a 6 month period

17 Things to Remember..... Be SMART when it comes to dealing with BBP Place a barrier between you and the blood or body fluid Report dangerous practices or unsafe furniture/equipment that may cause an injury that could lead to an exposure Call for help when needed Report exposures ASAP

18 Also, remember..... There are many infectious viruses and bacteria in our environment. The way to reduce transmission of contagious disease in the classroom is to require handwashing after toileting and before and after meals. THE BEST WAY TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM CONTAGIOUS DISEASE IS TO WASH YOUR HANDS THOROUGHLY AND FREQUENTLY!

19 Rules to Live By Always follow Universal Precautions: Treat all blood and body fluids as if they are contaminated! Hand washing is the # 1 protection against infection

20 Questions?