Communicable Diseases and Blood-Borne Pathogens Flashcards
(37 cards)
Define a blood-borne pathogen.
Blood-Borne pathogens are viruses and bacteria in human blood that can cause disease in humans.
Define Pathogen.
A pathogen is an agent of a disease; including bacteria such as staph, viruses such as HIV, and fungi such as yeast.
How long can HEP B survive in a dry environment?
HBV can survive for at LEAST 7 days.
What are the three main ways to get HEP B?
- Unprotected sex with someone who has HEP B
- Born to someone who has HEP B
- Sharing needles and syringes
HEP B damages the liver ranging from mild to fatal symptoms, such as;
- Jaundice
- Fatigue
- Abdominal Pain
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Joint Pain
How much protection can you get from your three doses of HEP B vaccination?
First dose: 30-50%
Second dose: 75%
Third dose: 96%
What is the most common chronic blood-borne infection in the U.S?
HEP C
(HCV)
The number one cause for liver transplants. Spread by contact with blood of an infected person.
What are HEP C symptoms?
- Jaundice
- Fatigue
- Abdomen Pain
- Loss of appetite
- Intermittent nausea
- Dark Urine
What are HIGH risk groups for HEP C?
- Injecting drug users
2. Recipient of clotting factors made before 1987
What are the LOW risk groups for HEP C?
- Health Care Worker
- Sexual contacts with infected people
- Person with multiple sex partners
Define HIV.
HIV is a virus that causes AIDS which attacks the immune system.
How does HIV get transmitted?
Through certain bodily fluids. such as; Blood, Semen, Vaginal Fluid, Breast Milk, other fluids containing blood.
How long can HIV live in a dry environment?
HIV can only survive for a few hours on a dry environment.
What are symptoms of HIV?
- Prolonged and Persistent: Fatigue, fever, chills, night sweats, white spots, unusual blemishes in the mouth, diarrhea, dry cough.
- Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
- Pink to purple, flat or raised blotches or bumps.
Where does AIDS come from?
AIDS is caused by the HIV virus. HIV destroys CD4+T cells (helper cells) that are crucial to the immune system. AIDS comes from a weakened immune system.
Define a Handicapped Person.
A person who has an impairment which substantially limits one or more major activities.
The HIV disease is a physical handicap. What are three reasonable accommodations for employees?
- To allow a qualified person to perform the essential task jobs.
- Extends to inexpensive/minimally disruptive alternative measures. NOT to be burdensome.
- Depends on resources, job requirements, and costs.
Describe 3 CONFIDENTIALITY standards for those with HIV.
- Medical records are protected from public disclosure.
2, Self-disclosure is voluntary and may be in writing. - Employee may seek legal recourse against employer who reveals medical information.
What is the leading form of body protection against penetration of body fluids?
Intact skin is the best protection against penetration of bodily fluids.
Name 4 appropriate household disinfectants.
- Chemical germicides
- Hydrogen peroxide
- EPA- registered tuberculocides
- Bleach, made within 24 hrs at a 1:10 to 1:100 concentration
Sharps containers must be:
- Closeable
- Puncture Resistant
- Leakproof
- Labeled or color-coded
Define Communicable Diseases.
An infectious disease transmitted by direct contact from affected individuals. OR, an infected individuals discharge by indirect means such as a virus.
Identify 5 symptoms of TB.
- Weakness
- Weight Loss
- Fever
- Loss of Appetite
- Chills and Sweating at night
What part of the body TB attack?
- TB can attack any part of the body.
- Normally attacks the lungs.
- Bacteria are multiplying and attacking different parts of the body.
