Hepatitis B is the most serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. The virus attacks the liver, causing liver failure, cirrhosis or liver cancer. It is transmitted through infected blood and bodily fluids.

Health care workers, emergency personnel, first aiders, individuals who have infected partners and infants who born to mothers who are infected with hepatitis virus at the time of delivery are at risk of getting infected with the virus.

Hepatitis B transmitted from an infected mother to her new born baby during the delivery process is uncontrollable. However, if the pregnant woman is detected with the infection in early stages, vaccines can be given to protect the infants. Many others who are at high risk of getting infected can take precautionary measures to protect themselves from infection.

If you belong to high risk group, you need to know how to protect yourself from infection and transmission.

1. How To Know Whether You Are At Risk For A Hepatitis B Infection?

If you are a health care worker or your job requires you to handle blood, blood products and body fluids, you are at increased exposure to hepatitis B virus.

2. How To Protect Yourself?

All health care workers, first aiders, emergency personnel and others who are exposed to blood and bodily fluid in the job need to receive hepatitis B vaccination. The vaccine is given in three doses over a period of six months. It is worth to have your hepatitis B antibody level tested once in 6 weeks after completing the vaccination series. This helps you ensure that you get sufficient protections against hepatitis B virus. If protective antibodies have not developed in your body even after completing the vaccination series, you need to repeat the series.

3. What Are the Additional Precautionary Measures?

It is advisable to avoid direct contact with blood and body fluid. If there are blood spills, clean them up using a diluted bleach solution. If you have any cuts or open sores, cover them properly, before giving care to infected person. Avoid sharing sharp items like blades, nail clippers and earrings. Ensure whether new and sterile needles are used, while getting treatment for some disease. Wash hands with soap and warm water after any potential exposure.

4. What To Do If You Are Exposed To The Blood Borne Pathogen?

If you are exposed to the Hepatitis B virus and if you are unvaccinated, you should seek medical attentions immediately. The doctor generally recommends you to get post exposure prophylaxis as soon as possible. It is worth to get the first dose of vaccine within 24 hours of exposure. You need to undergo tests to determine whether you have developed protective antibodies.

5. How To Find Out Your Hepatitis B Status?

You can find out whether you are infected with hepatitis B virus or not and the status of the virus through a 3 part blood test.

Hepatitis B virus is a harmful blood borne pathogen that can cause deadly disease. Preventing your exposure to this virus is the best way to protect yourself from diseases.

If you want to know your hepatitis B virus status, you can go through blood tests without worrying about the security of your personally identifiable health information. HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability And Accountability Act) ensures optimum protection to electronic health information.

For more information, please visit our Bloodborne Pathogen Training website.

For more information, please visit our Bloodborne Pathogen Training website http://www.bbpexams.com/bloodborne_pathogen_training.html

Author Bio: For more information, please visit our Bloodborne Pathogen Training website.

Category: Medical Business
Keywords: vaccination,Blood Borne Pathogens