Infectious Hazards for Health Care Workers

Health care workers are routinely exposed at work to infectious organisms: bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites. Caring for patients with certain conditions, and contact with bloodborne pathogens, raise the risk of infection. Following infection control procedures lowers it. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) highlights these hazards.

Influenza

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. It can be mild but can also be severe and deadly. The best protection is a flu vaccine every year. Types include seasonal, pandemic, avian and swine influenza.

MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) spreads through contact with an infected wound or contaminated hands. Personal protective equipment (PPE), equipment dedicated to each patient, hand hygiene, and environmental cleaning and disinfection reduce the risk of colonization or infection.

Tuberculosis

The bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB) spread through the air when an infected person speaks, coughs or sneezes. Protecting workers takes a comprehensive TB infection control program based on the hierarchy of controls, combining administrative controls, engineering controls, and PPE such as respirators in special areas and during certain procedures.

COVID-19

COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which spreads when infected people exhale droplets and very small particles as they breathe, talk or cough. Some infected people have no symptoms but can still spread it. Vaccination is the best way for health care workers to protect themselves, alongside a comprehensive infection control program based on the hierarchy of controls.

Bloodborne pathogens

Workers in many jobs, including health care, emergency response and public safety, can be exposed to blood and other body fluids through needlesticks and other sharps injuries, or contact with mucous membranes or broken skin. The main concerns are HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Workers and employers can reduce the risk with precautions that minimize exposure to blood and body fluids.

Sources

• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, CDC, "Infectious Agents Risk Factors." https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/healthcare/risk-factors/infectious-agents.html
• NIOSH, "Bloodborne Infectious Disease Risk Factors": https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/healthcare/risk-factors/bloodborne-infectious-diseases.html; "Hierarchy of Controls": https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hierarchy-of-controls/about/