Inoculation Injuries - further information

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a serious infection disease which affects the liver and is caused by a virus (HBV). 

Some people infected with HBV suffer mild flu like symptoms whilst others have weeks or months feeling constantly tired, sick and suffering from jaundice.   

Once infected it can take between 2 and 6 months before symptoms appear. There is a 1 in 10 chance that those infected may become long term carriers.

However some people may develop cirrhosis of the liver and a few may develop liver cancer.

 

What is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is a serious infectious disease which affects the liver and is caused by a virus (HCV).

Many people infected with HCV remain symptom free although some may feel briefly unwell, or may have nausea and vomiting and, rarely, jaundice.

However, some may develop cirrhosis of the liver and a few may develop liver cancer.

There is an 8 in 10 chance that those infected may become long term carriers.

 

What are HIV and AIDS?

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV attacks the system which helps us fight infections

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is caused by the HIV virus. At this point there is a breakdown in the body’s defences leading to serious infections and cancers.

Some people with HIV can remain healthy for years. Therefore they can unwittingly pass on the virus to others.

 

How is Hepatitis B, C and HIV spread?

Hepatitis B, C and HIV are usually spread through:

• sexual contact with an infected person;
• sharing contaminated needles such as those used to inject drugs;
• sharing intimate hygiene items such as razors and toothbrushes used by an infected person;
• direct handling or accidental contamination of infected blood/body fluids.

 

HIV and Hepatitis B or C cannot be spread by shaking hands, sharing cutlery, cups, sneezing/coughing or toilet facilities.

 

Am I at risk from Hepatitis B, C or HIV in the workplace?

HIV and Hepatitis B or C can be transmitted through contact with contaminated blood/body fluids, instruments and needles. Therefore staff who work with these are more at risk.

Many people have more concern about HIV than Hepatitis B. However, Hepatitis B is 100 times more infectious than HIV, thus there is a greater risk for staff dealing with body fluids.

 

Is there a vaccine available?

To date there is no vaccine to protect against HIV or HCV.

The vaccination for Hepatitis B is available for staff who have regular contact with body fluids, contaminated sharps or those at risk of being bitten. Staff who have a full course of vaccine are advised to have a blood test to determine Hepatitis B status. If this is satisfactory a booster is required after 5 years.

If you are unsure whether you are at risk and need the vaccine please consult your manager.  Your manager may carry out a risk assessment or seek advice from Occupational Health.

 

How do I protect myself from Hepatitis B, C and HIV?

As indicated, contracting Hepatitis B, C or HIV is possible when there is contamination of open cuts/broken skin with body fluids, used sharps injuries or splashes of body fluids onto mucous membranes.

Therefore, protecting yourself in the work place relies on preventing body fluids from entering you by following universal precautions. For more details please refer to the Trust’s Inoculation Injuries Policy on the Intranet.

 

As a brief guide you should:-

• Cover all cuts/broken skin with a waterproof dressing. Wear gloves if you are likely to come into contact with blood/body fluids or mucous membranes.
• Wash your hands after each contact.
• Dispose of used sharps immediately after use into correct sharps containers.

 

Open-Use-Dispose.  

Don’t let anything interrupt.

• Don’t overfill sharps bins. Seal and dispose of sharps bins when 2/3rds full.
• Seek advice from Occupational Health if you have any skin problems such as eczema or psoriasis. This is particularly important if they affect your arms and hands.
• Never re-sheath used needles.
• Avoid splashes in the eye or mouth, wear goggles, visor or mask if necessary.
• Report every contamination/used needlestick incident or splash to eyes or mouth as soon as possible, however minor it seems—it could save you from serious illness.

 

What should I do if I have an accidental inoculation injury?

• Immediately apply first aid.
• Encourage wound to bleed by gently squeezing.
• Do not suck.
• Promptly wash area with warm water and cover with a waterproof dressing.
• Contamination to mouth requires rinsing thoroughly with water.
• Contamination to eyes requires removal of contact lenses and rinsing thoroughly with water.
• Inform your supervisor of the incident.
• Report to either Occupational Health or Accident & Emergency as soon as possible.

 

It is your responsibility to inform Occupational Health as soon as possible even if you have attended Accident & Emergency in the meantime.

 

Occupational Health Department

8.30am – 4.30pm Monday to Friday, except on Bank Holidays, on 0151 529 3803  option 2, followed by option 1