There are many types of diseases caused by bloodborne pathogens. Most people are aware of the HIV but there are other serious medical conditions you should be aware of. 

HIV and the AIDS virus

Currently about 1.1 million people in the United States suffer from HIV or AIDS. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). This disease attacks the body's immune system, severely affecting the ability to fight off infections like pneumonia or the flu. It does this by destroying white blood cells, our main defense against sickness. Each year 14,000 people die from AIDS and another 50,000 people become infected with HIV in the United States alone. Worldwide, approximately 770,000 people die from AIDS-related illnesses. Many people are asymptomatic for years. The symptoms of HIV are misleadingly subtle, so it is possible that one may not know they have the virus until it reaches the stage of AIDS. A blood test is needed to determine if one actually has HIV/AIDS. 


You need not worry about contracting the virus from doorknobs, swimming pools, toilet seats or simply shaking hands. Sexual contact is the main mode of transmission, although contaminated needles are also a possible way of becoming infected. There is no vaccine or cure for HIV/AIDS.


HIV/AIDS SYMPTOMS

• Fever

• Weight loss

 Fatigue

•  Rash

hepatitis 

There are many different forms of hepatitis. In this module we will discuss two common forms of hepatitis that can be transmitted via contaminated bodily fluids or blood. These bloodborne illnesses are hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

hepatitis B

Hepatitis B, sometimes referred to as HBV is a virus that affects the liver. It can lead to scarring, cirrhosis, cancer and other medical problems. In the United States more than 70,000 individuals become infected with hepatitis B. Nearly 5,000 people a year die from illnesses related to this bloodborne pathogen. 


While you cannot get hepatitis B from light contact with others such as shaking hands or hugging, it is about 100 times more contagious than HIV because the virus can survive outside of its host for much longer than HIV. The hepatitis B virus can be viable for a week or more outside of the body, while HIV can only survive outside of the body for a few seconds. Sharing needles, razors or coming in contact with items contaminated with blood or bodily fluids can lead to infection, as can sexual activity. You can recover from hepatitis B, but about 10 percent of people who become infected with it will have an ongoing chronic problem that continues to inflame their liver. 


There is an effective vaccine for hepatitis B. If you work in a job that exposes you to bodily fluids, your employer is required to offer you a free hepatitis B vaccine. This would include workers such as janitors, school nurses, healthcare professionals, dental office workers, and many others. The vaccine is delivered in three separate doses over a 6 month period. Employees can decline the vaccine but must write a statement that acknowledges the risk they are taking.

HEPATITIS B SYMPTOMS

• Jaundice or yellowing of the skin

• Yellowing eyes

• Fatigue

• Orange or brown urine

• Light-colored stools

• Nausea

• Abdominal pain

• Loss of appetite

hepatitis c

Unlike hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HCV is more likely to be a chronic condition. Approximately 80 percent of people who contract hepatitis C will have a chronic condition, while the other 20 percent will recover completely. Hepatitis C can exist in a person for decades without any noticeable symptoms. Currently 4.1 million U.S individuals have the hepatitis C virus and 26,000 more are added each year. HCV can cause cirrhosis and liver cancer due to its chronic inflammation of the liver. Nearly 10,000 people die every year from hepatitis C-related causes.


There is no cure or vaccine for hepatitis C. Preventing the spread is the best way to protect oneself. Infected needles or sharps can spread this bloodborne pathogen. It can also be spread through sexual contact, tattoos, organ transplant, blood transfusions and from a mother to her child during birth. 

HEPATITIS C SYMPTOMS

• Jaundice or yellowing of the skin

• Yellowing eyes

• Fatigue

• Orange or brown urine

• Light-colored stools

• Nausea

• Abdominal pain

• Vomiting

LESSON 2 RECAP

Let's go over everything we have learned in this lesson. It's valuable to review the highlights of the recently absorbed information to help the new knowledge stick. We hope you're enjoying the course so far and we'll see you in the next lesson.


HIV AND THE AIDS VIRUS

• HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)


• HIV attacks the body's immune system by destroying white blood cells


• It can be spread through sexual contact, razors, needles, tattoos, organ transplant, blood transfusions and from a mother to her child during birth


• There is no vaccine or cure for HIV/AIDS


HIV/AIDS SYMPTOMS

• Fever

• Weight loss

• Fatigue

• Rash


HEPATITIS C (HCV)

• HCV can cause cirrhosis and liver cancer due to its chronic inflammation of the liver


• It can be spread through sexual contact, razors, needles, tattoos, organ transplant, blood transfusions and from a mother to her child during birth.


• Hepatitis C can exist in a person for decades without any noticeable symptoms


• HCV is more likely to be a chronic condition


• There is no cure or vaccine for hepatitis C


HEPATITIS C SYMPTOMS

• Jaundice or yellowing of the skin

• Yellowing eyes

• Fatigue

• Orange or brown urine

• Light-colored stools

• Nausea

• Abdominal pain

• Vomiting


HEPATITIS B (HBV)

• Hepatitis B can cause scarring, cirrhosis and liver cancer


• HBV can be spread through needles, razors, sexual contact, tattoos, organ transplant, blood transfusions and from a mother to her child during birth


• HBV can live on surfaces for up to a week


• The hepatitis B vaccine is delivered in three doses over a 6 month period


HEPATITIS B SYMPTOMS

• Jaundice or yellowing of the skin

• Yellowing eyes

• Fatigue

• Orange or brown urine

• Light-colored stools

• Nausea

• Abdominal pain

• Loss of appetite


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