From time to time, everyone deals with messes involving blood. Sometimes blood is spilled by accident. Sometimes, blood is even spilled on purpose, like during a crime. Even though spilled blood might not always feel like a big deal, the danger it poses to the people that come in contact with it is a big deal. Coming in contact with infected blood puts you at risk of contracting illnesses called bloodborne pathogens. That’s why it is essential to learn about the common illnesses that blood can carry and how contracting them can be prevented during the blood cleanup process.
Blood Cleanup – Marietta, GA
Bloodborne Pathogens
Blood from infected people can carry bloodborne pathogens that can transfer to people who come into contact with it. Pathogens are dangerous disease-causing viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms. Common pathogens found in the blood include hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.
Hepatitis B (HBV)
The hepatitis B virus causes a chronic liver infection called hepatitis B. It is transmitted through bodily fluids like blood, vaginal secretions, semen, amniotic fluid, and saliva. It can survive outside of the body for up to a week. Hepatitis B can be life-threatening. It can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer, and liver failure.
Symptoms of hepatitis B typically aren’t experienced by newly infected individuals. More severe hepatitis B can cause your eyes and skin to turn yellow, a condition called jaundice. It can also cause fatigue, vomiting, nausea, dark urine, and abdominal pain. Fortunately, a vaccine for hepatitis B exists.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is very similar to hepatitis B. It also is a virus that causes damage and inflammation to the liver. Unlike hepatitis B, hepatitis C can only be transferred through contact with contaminated blood and between mother and baby at birth or when nursing. About 50-80% of liver cancer cases are related to hepatitis B or C.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Human Immunodeficiency Virus, more commonly known as HIV, is a chronic virus that targets the immune system, making it more difficult for your body to fight diseases and infections. It is transmitted through bodily fluids like blood. HIV symptoms include chills, fever, rash, muscle aches, sore throat, night sweats, and swollen lymph nodes. HIV is a chronic, life-long disease. Some medications can help suppress it, but there is no known cure for HIV.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
Untreated HIV typically develops into Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) within 8-10 years. AIDS is more severe than HIV. Its symptoms include fever, night sweats, diarrhea, pneumonia, rapid weight loss, and exhaustion. It can cause lymph glands to swell in the armpits, neck, and groin and sores to form on the mouth, anus, and genitals. Many extremely dangerous infections are common in people with AIDS because their immune system is so weak. These associated infections can cause problematic symptoms like seizures, coma, shortness of breath, vomiting, forgetfulness, and blindness. Treatment options have improved over the years, but AIDS still leads to death in some cases.
How To Avoid Contracting Bloodborne Pathogens During Blood Cleanup
Anytime someone’s blood is spilled, and you don’t have full knowledge of their health history, you need to be cautious when approaching the blood cleanup process since there is a chance that the blood could carry dangerous pathogens. If traces of blood are accidentally left behind, the area will continue to be a health hazard. If you find yourself needing help with blood cleanup, you should contact local experts such as Georgia Clean to assist you. They are trained and certified to ensure that blood is cleaned up thoroughly and properly. If you live in Marietta, GA, contact Georgia Clean for your blood cleanup needs.
