Diseases, Bloodborne, Pathogens, and Universal Precautions

infectious disease

• invasion of host (animal or person) by microorganism (pathogen) causes disease by disrupting vital body processes

• stimulates immune system —> defense + immune response (fever, inflammation, damaging symptoms)

most common pathogens

bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi

Types of transmission

direct, indirect, pathogen entry into body

direct transmission

• contact of body surfaces (touching and intercourse)

• droplet spread (inhalation of air droplets)

• fecal-oral spread (feces on hands through contact w/ mouth)

indirect tranmission

• travels via inanimate object (water, food, towels, clothing, utensils)

• via vectors: insects, birds, animals

• airborne: infected particles suspended in air

pathogen entry into body

through skin, respiratory system, digestive, or reproductive system

immune system

1. mechanical defenses: separates internal from external body; skin, mucous membranes

2. cellular system (immune system): eliminates microorganisms, foreign proteins, antigens; t and b cells; loc. in blood streams, lymphatic tissues, and interstitial fluid

stages of infection

1. incubation phase

2. prodromal phase (hopefully when antibiotics start)

3. acute phase

4. decline phase

5. recovery phase

1- incubation

• from time pathogen enters body to time signs and symptoms of disease appear

• lasting from few hrs to months depending on conc., virulence, level of immune response, and other health problems

2- prodromal stage

• watery eyes, runny nose, slight fever, and malaise (feel at worst)

• host can transfer pathogen to other hosts (host should be isolated to prevent transmission)

immune system

• antigens trigger leukocytes and macrophages to loc and destroy antigens

• t-cells tag and facilitate macrophages

• b-cells transformed into specialized cells (plasma cells) capable of producing antibodies

• antibodies neutralize antigens via lysis and phagocytosis

• memory t cells remember to form faster immune response

acute stage

• tipping point where disease reaches point of greatest development

• body resits further damage from pathogen

decline stage

• first signs of recovery

• could relapse if patient becomes overextended

recovery stage

• overcame invading pathogen but patient remains susceptible

• body may built up immunity and will be resistant to future exposure (may not be permanent)

• no longer sick

preventing spread of infectious disease

• wash hands

• up to date immunizations

• take meds as directed (antibiotics)

• encourage healthy lifestyles

hepatitis B (HBV)

employer must offer vax to those who may be exposed

hepatitis c

most common chronic bloodborne infection in US

human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

universal precautions

• OSHA

• all employers should have exposure plan

• treat every patient’s blood and specified bodily fluids as potentially infectious

when bleeding occurs

• athletes w active bleeding must be removed from participation and returned when deemed safe to protect other athletes too

• blood uniform must be removed or cleaned to remove infectivity

personal precautions

• those in direct contact must use appropriate equipment

• sideline med kit should have everything you need to protect yourself

  • always wear gloves

personal protective equipment (PPE)

• gloves

• gowns, aprons, eye protection (not common in sideline kit)

• masks (sick on road)

• disposable mouthpieces for resuscitation for CPR

supplies/equipment

• chlorine bleach

• antiseptics

• replacement uniforms

• wound care equipment

disposal

• biohazard bins: red bags or contained for potentially infectious material

• sharps container: needles, razor blades, scalpels, epipens (scissors and tweezers disinfected regularly)

• glove-trashcan technique