Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
Exposure
An exposure that might place a worker at risk for HBV, HCV, or HIV infection is defined as:
- A percutaneous injury (e.g., a needlestick or cut with a sharp object); or
- Contact of mucous membrane or nonintact skin (e.g., exposed skin that is chapped, abraded, or afflicted with dermatitis) with blood, tissue, or other body fluids that are potentially infectious.
Indirect exposure from contaminated objects is a risk because Hepatitis B virus can remain infectious on environmental surfaces for up to a week (7 days) in the form of dried blood.
Vaccination
A vaccination to prevent hepatitis B virus infection is available. The Hepatitis B vaccine series is a sequence of three shots, typically given one month apart, that stimulate a person's natural immune system to protect against the virus. After the vaccine is given, the body makes antibodies to protect a person against the virus. Antibodies are specialized proteins found in the blood that produce an immune response to a virus invading the body. These antibodies are stored in the body to guard against future infections. They will fight off an infection if a person is exposed to the Hepatitis B virus in the future.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-3. Hepatitis B virus can remain infectious on environmental surfaces for up to a _____ in the form of dried blood.
You forgot to answer the question!