BLOODborne diseases
HEPATITIS B
Hepatitis B (HBV) is hardy and easy to catch. It’s in blood and body fluids
and can be up to 100 times more contagious than HIV; it can lead to cirrhosis,
chronic liver disease or liver cancer.
What are the symptoms?
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Light stools
- Dark urine
- Appetite loss
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Jaundice
Can the virus survive outside the body?
Yes. It can survive at least seven days out of the body.
How can I get it?
Through contact with contaminated body fluids such as:
- Blood
- Semen
- Vaginal secretions
- Body tissue
- Breast milk
- Saliva
- Urine
- Exposure to sharp instruments containing contaminated blood
- Human bites
- Blood transfusion before 1975 when hepatitis B testing became available
- Sexually
- During birth
How soon do symptoms appear?
Usually within three months.
What is the treatment?
Bed rest.
Is there a vaccine to prevent infection?
Yes! Just three shots of vaccine provide protection.
How can I get this vaccine?
At the beginning of each school year, the principal identifies “high risk” staff. As a paraprofessional, you are entitled to the vaccine. If your name is not on the principal's list, con-tact your principal or chapter leader. You also may write a letter like this:
SAMPLE LETTER REQUESTING VACCINATION
(Today’s Date)
Dear (Your Principal’s Name):
The New York State Department of Labor requires the Department of Education to administer the hepatitis B vaccine free of charge to potentially exposed staff. In the course of my work as a paraprofessional, I am at risk of exposure to students’ blood and body fluid and believe that I should have the vaccine.
Please advise me of the vaccination schedule.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
(Your School)
(Your Social Security Number)
Keep a copy of the letter for your records.