Did you know that there are tiny microbes that can cause fatal diseases? Do you also know that your skin is your body’s first line of defense? Yes, both the above statements are factual. The human skin protects the underlying blood vessels from microscopic microbes. Doctors and researchers call them bloodborne pathogens. These pathogens cause life-threatening diseases. They travel fast in the bloodstream and often go undetected. The infections caused by them usually show symptoms and do not reveal the actual cause.
Bloodborne pathogens are an ongoing study as they also can change their structure based on the medication. Because of these activities, these pathogens the medical fraternity fears the most. People dealing with these often need to take a bloodborne pathogen certification. This article looks into understanding these pathogens. You also learn about blended courses from the American HealthCare Academy.
Explaining bloodborne pathogens
Bloodborne pathogens are tiny living things. These organisms are so small that you cannot see them. They can cause diseases when they come into contact with a person’s blood. They move toward other body parts after coming in contact with the blood. You can find them in the body fluids and tissues as well. There are several types of bloodborne pathogens, including:
- Bacteria: Bacterial bloodborne pathogens can cause diseases with a high fever. It is easier to cure them as they react to antibiotics.
- Viruses: Viral bloodborne pathogens can cause serious diseases. These include HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. You need certain antiviral drugs to kill these pathogens.
- Fungi: Fungal bloodborne pathogens can cause complicated diseases. These are usually difficult to get rid of.
- Parasites: Parasitic bloodborne pathogens can cause malaria. These also cause many other severe diseases.
Bloodborne pathogens enter the body in many ways, like those given below.
- Infected Fluids: Both blood and body fluids could get infected with this pathogen. The source could be a needle or other sharp injuries.
- Contaminated Surfaces: This could happen if you touch a contaminated surface. These usually have the blood or body fluids of someone infected.
- Eating or Drinking Contaminated Things: Food often attracts microbes. If an infected person sneezes on your food and you eat it- you could get the disease.
- Infected Animals: Stay away from infected animals. Their saliva often carries the bloodborne pathogen.
Always remember that bloodborne pathogens can cause serious illnesses. Call your doctor if you have exposure to a bloodborne pathogen.
Who can get affected by pathogens and their diseases?
You cannot see bloodborne pathogens with the naked eye. A person can only get them upon contact with infected blood or other body fluids. The following are at a higher risk of contracting a bloodborne pathogen:
- Healthcare Workers: Doctors and nurses are at a higher risk. They should take extra precautions when dealing with patients. Using appropriate protective equipment is necessary whenever possible. It also helps if healthcare workers take a bloodborne pathogen certification to deal with emergencies.
- Drug Abusers: People injecting illegal drugs are at a higher risk of infection. They often share needles which increases the risk of disease.
- Tattoo Enthusiasts: People who get tattoos and piercings are at a higher risk of contracting infected blood. Unsanitary conditions or unskilled practitioners can lead to infections from used needles.
- Research Workers: Scientists working in high-grade research facilities also handle these pathogens. Such people must take extra caution as the risk of exposure is always high.
- Children: Children often run around and get cuts and bruises quickly. If these cuts do not get proper cleaning, there are higher chances of an infection.
The below-mentioned diseases come from bloodborne pathogens.
- Hepatitis B: This virus can spread through any body fluids. It causes severe liver damage.
- HIV: HIV spreads through contact with infected blood, semen, and other body fluids. It weakens the immune system making them more likely to get infections. People living with HIV may develop AIDS.
- Syphilis: It is a bacterial infection spreading through the same sources. It can cause serious health problems, including blindness and paralysis, if left untreated.
- Hepatitis C: This is a virus spread through contact with infected blood. It can cause severe liver damage, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.
- Malaria: This is a parasitic infection spread through contact with infected blood. It can cause fever and chills, which turn fatal.
What courses does AHCA offer?
The American HealthCare Academy works towards providing first aid information to the masses. This institute offers courses for bystanders and healthcare professionals. Their courses are easy to understand. With the AHCA, you will always get accredited certificates for all your courses. Some of the courses offered for bystanders are as follows.
- First-Aid and CPR Combo: This course teaches both first-aid and CPR skills. This course is for bystanders and also teaches AED. It offers 6 hours of CE credits as well.
- CPR or AED: If you wish to learn only CPR or AED, go for this course. It offers 4CE hours. The course talks about infant CPR as well.
- Basic First Aid: Do you want to learn the universal precautions towards life threats, take a look at the first-aid course. Through it, you know the usage of personal protective equipment.
- Bloodborne Pathogens: This course discusses diseases you can get through blood exposure. It is a one-year certification that follows OSHA standards.
- HIPAA: People who handle sensitive medical information must know the details of HIPAA. It is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. It safeguards you against illegal practices.
Conclusion
Many diseases are lurking around on this planet. A majority of them are yet to come out in the open. While the human body can deal with most illnesses, some need medical care. The best practice includes staying away from the source of infection. A bloodborne pathogens certification also helps with knowledge of the proper PPE kit and other necessary precautions. Suppose you wish to take this course; head to the American HealthCare Academy website. They offer this course at affordable prices. The group even offers discounts for group booking. Log onto the AHCA website and protect your loved ones from deadly diseases.
