Occupational Blood Borne Infections: Prevention is Better than Cure

Viral infections like HIV, hepatitis Band C virus pose a big risk to the contacts of individuals with high risk behaviour as well as to the attending health care workers. Blood, semen, vaginal and other potentially infectious materials can transmit the infection to the susceptible contacts. Universal precautions should be strictly implemented during clinical examination, laboratory work and surgical procedures to prevent transmission to the health care providers. Health care workers should receive vaccination for hepatitis B infection. An inadvertent exposure should be managed with proper first aid and infectivity of the source and severity of exposure should be assessed. Severity of exposure is based on the nature and area of exposed surface, mode of injury and volume of infective material. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) should be started as soon as possible after a proper counseling about the effectiveness of post-exposure prophylaxis, side effects and risk of carrying the infection to his familial contacts and its prevention.