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.

A BBV could be passed on from a patient to a staff member during a health care procedure, if precautions are not taken.

Precautions

Follow the guidance on the following pages to prevent BBV transmission:

• 🦺Safe Use & Disposal of Sharps
• 💉Needlestick Injuries
• 💧Body Fluid Spillages
• 😷Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• 👋Hand Hygiene

Vaccination / Immunity Against BBV

• Immunisation will give you up to 90% protection against HBV.
• As part of your onboarding, your vaccination history/immunity status will be checked and you will be offered HBV vaccination to prevent from infection if needed (see ⛵Onboarding & Pre-Start Checks for more information).
• 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 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.