

While treatment for it is improving, there is no vaccine for HIV or a cure for AIDS. Third (final) stage: the body becomes unable to fight life-threatening disease and infections. The second stage is believed to eventually lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). During this stage the body's immune system becomes weakened. Second stage: an individual may begin to suffer symptoms of weakness, fever, sore throat, nausea, headaches, diarrhea, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, and white coating of the tongue. During this period, the person may show few or no signs of illness Symptoms of HIV infection can vary and occur in three stages:įirst stage: occurs upon infection with HIV and may last for many years. However, because it is such a devastating disease, all precautions against exposure should be taken. It is estimated that there is only a 0.4% chance of contracting HIV in the workplace environment. It is primarily a concern to employees who provide first aid in situations involving fresh blood. The HIV virus is very fragile and will not survive long outside the human body. These numbers could be higher, as many people with HIV appear healthy and lead normal lives for years. Approximately 800,000 to 900,000 people in the United States are HIV positive. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) attacks the body's immune system, weakening it so it can't fight other deadly diseases. There is no vaccine for HCV, but there are anti-viral drugs that are used for those who have contracted the disease.

It is now the number one cause for liver transplants in the United States. Chronic effects include cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer. Symptoms are frequently non-specific, but may include jaundice, abdominal pain, fatigue, dark urine, loss of appetite or nausea. Each year, approximately 10,000 people die from HCV related infections: twice the number of those with Hepatitis B. It is estimated that 3.9 million (1.8%) Americans have been infected with HCV. The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) can also cause a liver infection. There is no cure or specific treatment for HBV, but fortunately there is an effective vaccine. The only way to confirm it is by blood test. It is transmitted primarily through "blood to blood" contact. Hepatitis B is the most easily transmitted bloodborne pathogen. Others may show symptoms as soon as 2 weeks or as long as 6-9 months after infection. However, half of those infected show no symptoms.
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Symptoms of jaundice (a distinct yellowing of the skin and eyes) and darkened urine will often occur as the disease progresses. Symptoms may include fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting. More than 5,000 people die annually from HBV-related liver disease. This inflammation can lead to more serious conditions such as chronic liver disease, cancer, or death. "Hepatitis" means "inflammation of the liver." Hepatitis B is a virus that can infect the liver. These diseases are specifically addressed by the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen standard. There are many different bloodborne pathogens such as syphilis, but the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are the three viruses that pose the greatest concern to people. These links are repeated at the bottom of each information page for easy navigation.īloodborne pathogens are pathogenic microorganisms such as viruses or bacteria which are carried in the blood and body fluids and can cause disease in people. Click the links below to begin the training. Your school nurse is available for questions. Prior to the meeting, print and review the Training Acknowledgement Form (Session 9) take the form to the meeting with the school nurse.Įach school has an Exposure Control Plan in the school office, teachers lounge, and school nurse office for employee reference. Please ask questions and clarify information pertaining to bloodborne pathogen procedures during the meeting with the school nurse. This course must be completed before the tenth (10th) working day of each school year or the tenth (10th) working day of employment for new employees hired after the beginning of the school year.įor employees required (High Risk) to complete this course yearly:Īfter viewing the sessions, you must meet with your school nurse for review.

This training is REQUIRED by OSHA guidelines that all employees in a High Risk position complete this course yearly. It is recommended that all employees review this course yearly. It is still important for all employees to understand the dangers of infection to these pathogens and safe practices to minimize their risk. Not every school employee is occupationally exposed to bloodborne pathogens.
