Hepatitis B

The term "hepatitis" means inflammation of the liver. This can occur for many reasons, such as toxins, prescription drugs, heavy alcohol use, and both viral and bacterial infections. For the purpose of this course, we are discussing only the viral infections of the liver. Hepatitis B (HBV) is a very contagious disease of the liver. HBV can exist as an acute illness (an illness with a rapid onset and short span). An acute HBV infection occurs within the first six months after exposure. An acute infection can lead to chronic infection, though it does not always. Chronic HBV infection is an illness that is long term and remains in the infected person's body.

Of the most commonly known bloodborne pathogens, HBV is the only one that has a preventative vaccine series. This series consists of three to four vaccines given over a six-month time frame. The vaccine allows the body to make the antibodies necessary to fight off the HBV if exposed in the future.

HBV can live outside of the body for a considerably long time, at least seven days. It is important that any blood spill be cleaned using a bleach and water solution, using one part bleach to ten parts water. During the cleaning process, gloves should always be worn.

To learn more about Bloodborne Pathogens visit our Bloodborne Pathogens Safety Online Training web page.