How many healthcare workers get hep B annually?

How many healthcare workers get hep B annually?

Approximately 3 million healthcare workers per year receive an injury with an occupational instrument, with around 2000000 exposures to hepatitis B virus (HBV) and 1000000 to hepatitis C virus (HCV).

How often should healthcare workers get Hep B vaccine?

The vaccine is given in three doses over a 6 month period (0, 1, and 6 months). It is recommended that health care workers have their hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) level tested 4-6 weeks after completion of the series, to make sure that they have built up protection against HBV.

Can a healthcare worker work with hep B?

New healthcare workers who will perform exposure-prone procedures are required to demonstrate that they are non-infectious for HIV and hepatitis C, and at low risk of transmitting hepatitis B.

How are healthcare workers most likely to contract hepatitis B?

HBV is the blood-borne communicable disease (BBCD) most likely to be contracted through needlestick injury, and has been reported to be transmitted at a rate of 24 to 2400 per 1,000,000 procedures (0.002% to 0.24%) (8). At least 52 transmissions of HBV from infected HCWs to more than 500 patients have been documented.

Do I need a Hep B booster after 5 years?

Those thought to have a continued high risk of infection should consider having a booster after 5 years. Boosters may be needed after exposure to the infection. If you think you have been exposed to hepatitis B please seek medical attention urgently.

Can you lose hepatitis B immunity?

The duration of immunity after vaccination against HBV is not known. Ten percent of the patients who receive and respond to vaccination lose anti-HBs after 5 years and 50% lose anti-HBs after 10 years.

Can Hep B be transmitted through feces?

Feces, nasal secretions, sputum, sweat, tears, urine, and vomit have not been implicated in the spread of hepatitis B. Unless they are visibly contaminated with blood, the risk of contracting hepatitis B from these fluids in the workplace is very low. Hepatitis B is not transmitted by casual contact.

What type of isolation is needed for hepatitis B?

The Infection Control precautions for hepatitis B are those of “Blood and Body Fluid Precautions” and those of “Universal Precautions”. Gloves, preferably latex, are worn when there is to be contact with blood and body fluid.