Blood Borne Viruses

There are many viruses that can be transfered from one person to another by transfer of blood and other body fluids. Pershaps the best known of these blood borne viruses are Hepatitis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus-HIV. The causative agents of Acquire Immune Deficiency Syndrome-AIDS. Hepatitis presents the greatest risk in the workplace.
There are several froms of hepatitis such as A, B, C Etc.Caused by different strains of the virus.
The route of the infection depends on the virus type.
Hepatitis A – is contracted orally by cross-contamination with faecal material containing the hepatitis A virus so sewage workers at risk.
Hepatitis B– is transmitted in body fluids, Such as blood, So occupations at risk would include health care workers (like doctors and nurses), fire fighters, police, and waste disposal workrs.
The virus survives for long periods of ouside of the body and can harsh treatment that kill other micro-organism such as boiling in water. Contaminated body fluids can cause infection by contact with damage skin, needle -stick injury and even splashing to the eyes and mouth.
Symptoms of these include jaundice and liver damage.Though many people are able to make a full recovery, some will become long-term sufferers and some continue to carry the virus but do not display any symptoms of infection.