Summary: This page describes how we can protect ourselves against blood borne viruses.
Who’s it for: All staff
What are Blood Borne Viruses (BBVs)?
Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are all examples of BBVs. BBVs are usually passed from one person to another via blood to blood contact from an infected person. BBVs can also be transmitted through contact with other bodily fluids, such as semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), saliva, urine and faeces.
Precautions
A BBV could be passed on from a patient to a staff member during a health care procedure. Some precautions that we can take to prevent this include:
- Following the advice in our Safe use and disposal of sharps, Needlestick injuries, Body fluid spillage protocol & Hand hygienepages
- Wearing gloves and a plastic apron. You might also need additional PPE (e.g., eye protection) depending on the situation. If you are unsure what PPE should be worn, check our Personal protective equipment (PPE) page or ask your line manager
Vaccination/immunity against BBV
Immunisation will give you up to 90% protection against HBV. To keep you as safe as possible, it is important to still follow the precautions above.
- As part of your onboarding, your vaccination history/immunity status will be checked
- All staff (including receptionists and cleaners) will be offered an HBV vaccination shortly after joining to protect from infection (see Onboarding & Pre-Start Checks for more information).
If you contract a BBV at work and lose pay because of this, you might be able to get compensation. For more information, visit this website: Department for Work and Pensions: Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefits
If you are living with a BBV, it is your responsibility to take the necessary precautions to prevent infection of other healthcare workers. You must also remain under regular Occupational Health supervision if you perform clinical duties.
If you have any questions or concerns with any of these infection control policies, please let your Line Manager know or tell us here
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