Hepatitis B Infections and Risk Factors Among Healthcare Workers

Hepatitis is a potentially fatal liver infection caused by hepatitis B virus. Chronic hepatitis B can slowly destroy the liver over many years and increases the risk of serious diseases like cirrhosis and liver cancer. Hepatitis B is the leading cause of liver cancer worldwide and is second only to tobacco. Hepatitis B is transmitted through infected blood and body fluids including sexual contact. Healthcare workers are at a higher risk of contracting hepatitis B infection due to the nature of their occupation. The fundamental principles and ethics of healthcare service is that the sick persons must receive appropriate care and treatment. This premise carries an unstated consequence-an occupational risk to healthcare providers who respond to the needs of contagious patients. However, there is always a potential synergy between patient safety and healthcare workers safety. There are an estimated of 12 million injections per day globally and needle stick injuries are unavoidable. But the good news is that hepatitis B infections can be prevented. Here are three simple steps you can take to protect yourself from hepatitis B: Get Tested. Get Vaccinated. Get treated.