Needle Stick Injury
The potentially serous diseases associated with needle stick injures
are Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS. Please review the
information below to learn more.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the
liver. The virus, which is called Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can cause life
long infection, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver cancer, liver
failure and death.
The virus is spread by contac with blood or body fluids of an
infected person.
Hepatitis B is a vaccine preventable disease.
Vaccination prior to a needle stick significantly
changes the outcome of any potential infection.
For additional information on Hepatitis B check out any of the
following sites:
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a serious liver disease caused by a virus that attacks
the liver. The virus, which is called Hepatitis C virus (HCV) can cause
life long infection, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver cancer,
liver failure and death.
Transmission of HCV can be through blood transfusions given before
1992, solid organ transplants from infected donors, sexual contact,
mother to fetus, and needle stick injuries.
Currently, there is no vaccine available to prevent Hepatitis C.
For additional information about Hepatitis C check out any of the
following sites:
HIV/AIDS
To learn the most current information about HIV/AIDS, please visit
the links listed below.