Page 20 - Participant Manual

You could also become infected if you stick breathes, coughs or sneezes. Infection spreads
yourself with a contaminated needle (a when a person who is not infected inhales
“needlestick injury”) or cut yourself with broken respiratory droplets containing the pathogens.
glass that has been contaminated with blood. Examples of airborne illnesses include
tuberculosis and influenza.
■ Airborne pathogens are pathogens that are
expelled into the air when an infected person

Box 1-6. Bloodborne and Airborne Illnesses

Although the risk of catching a disease when giving first aid care is very low, whenever you give care,
there is the potential to be exposed to an infectious disease. Of particular concern are diseases that
are not easily treated and can have long-term effects on your health, should you become infected.
Using personal protective equipment (PPE) reduces your risk for catching an infectious disease
significantly.

Bloodborne Illnesses the body. There are many different types and
causes of hepatitis. Hepatitis B, hepatitis C
■ HIV is a virus that invades and destroys the and hepatitis D are caused by infection with
cells that help us to fight off infections. A bloodborne viruses. Chronic infection with the
person who is infected with HIV may look viruses that cause hepatitis B, C or D can lead
and feel healthy for many years. However, to liver failure, liver cancer and other serious
during this time, the virus is breaking down conditions.
the person’s immune system. Eventually, a
person who is infected with HIV may develop Airborne Illnesses
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
A person with AIDS is unable to fight off Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection of the
infections that a healthy person would be ■ lungs that is spread through the air from one
able to resist or control. The person dies from person to another. Although tuberculosis
one of these infections. Although medications primarily affects the lungs, it can also affect
have been developed to help slow the the bones, brain, kidneys and other organs.
progression of HIV infection, currently there is If not treated, tuberculosis can be fatal.
no cure.
Treatment is complex and involves taking
■ Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, an many different medications over an extended
organ that performs many vital functions for period of time.

Limiting Your Exposure to Pathogens

There are two main steps you can take to limit your exposure to pathogens and your risk for contracting a
communicable disease while giving first aid care: use personal protective equipment (PPE) and wash your
hands after giving care. © 2011, 2016 The American National Red Cross. All rights reserved.

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