Last Updated On: noviembre 29, 2024
Have you ever wondered how illnesses spread differently, through the air we breathe or through contact with blood? So you must understand the difference between airborne and bloodborne pathogens isn’t just for healthcare professionals; it is important for everyone.
Airborne pathogens travel through the air, while bloodborne ones are passed through blood or bodily fluids, and each poses unique risks. Let us explain the differences between airborne and bloodborne pathogens and share tips to help you stay safe.
Airborne pathogens are tiny germs such as viruses or bacteria that spread through the air. They can travel when someone coughs, sneezes, talks, or even breathes. These germs stay in the air and can infect others when they breathe them in. Common examples include the flu, tuberculosis, and COVID-19. Airborne pathogens can spread easily in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces. It is important to take precautions like wearing masks or ensuring good airflow.
Bloodborne pathogens are harmful germs such as viruses or bacteria. This spreads through contact with blood or certain bodily fluids. They can enter your body through cuts and scrapes. Common examples include HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. These germs do not spread through casual contact like touching or talking but through specific exposures such as sharing needles or getting a cut from a contaminated object. You must take precautions and wear gloves to handle sharp items carefully.
Airborne and bloodborne pathogens are two different types of germs that spread in distinct ways. Airborne pathogens travel through the air and can infect people by breathing them in. Bloodborne pathogens spread through direct contact with blood or certain bodily fluids. Here is a detailed analysis of airborne vs bloodborne:
| Factor | Airborne Pathogens | Bloodborne Pathogens |
| Mode of transmission | Spread through the air via coughing, sneezing, or talking. | Spread through contact with blood or certain bodily fluids. |
| Examples | Tuberculosis, COVID-19, Influenza, Chickenpox | HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C |
| Infectious Medium | Air and respiratory droplets | Blood, saliva, and other body fluids |
| Risk Environments | Crowded or poorly ventilated spaces | Healthcare settings, workplaces with sharp objects, injuries |
| Prevention Methods | Masks, good ventilation, regular cleaning | Gloves, safe handling of sharps, proper disposal of waste |
Airborne pathogens transmission can cause serious illnesses that spread easily through the air, especially in crowded spaces. These pathogens can cause diseases that range from mild respiratory infections to severe illnesses. Here is a list of common diseases that are caused by airborne pathogens:
Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms such as bacteria or viruses that are carried in blood and other body fluids and can cause disease in people. The pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Hepatitis means ‘inflammation of the liver’, and its name implies that Hepatitis B is a virus that infects the liver. There is no cure or specific treatment for HBV. But many people who contract the disease will develop antibodies. This helps them get over the infection and protects them from getting it again.
The Hepatitis B virus is very durable, and it can survive in dried blood for up to seven days. For this reason, this virus is the primary concern for employees in the healthcare industry.
The symptoms of HBV are a lot like the flu. As the disease continues to develop, jaundice and darkened urine will often occur. After exposure, it can take 1–9 months before symptoms become noticeable.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the most common chronic bloodborne infection in the United States. Most people are chronically infected and might not be aware of their infection as they are clinically ill.
HCV is transmitted through exposures to blood. Risk factors include blood transfusion, injecting drug use, and exposure from a sex partner who has had a history of hepatitis.
Many patients had no symptoms prior to the development of liver cirrhosis. The present symptoms are mild fatigue, joint and body aches, poor appetite, nausea, and abdominal discomfort.
Once a person is infected with HIV, it may be many years before AIDS develops. HIV attacks the body’s immune system and weakens it so that it cannot fight other diseases. AIDS is a fatal disease and has no known cure. The HIV virus is very fragile and will not survive long outside of the human body. It is a concern to employees offering first aid in situations that involve fresh blood or other infectious materials. As it is a devastating disease, all precautions must be taken to avoid exposure.
Symptoms of HIV infection can vary. It includes weakness, fever, sore throat, headaches, diarrhea, and weight loss.
Bloodborne pathogens such as HIV, HBV, and HIV can be transmitted through contact with infected human blood and other body fluids such as vaginal secretions and semen. HBV and HIV are transmitted through the following:
Tuberculosis is caused by a bacterium known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but TB
Bacteria can attack any part of the body, such as the kidney, spine, and brain. If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal.
TB is spread through the air from one person to another. The TB bacteria are put into the air when a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. People nearby may breathe in these bacteria and become infected.
TB is NOT spread by-
Latent TB infection and TB disease. Not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick. As a result, two TB-related conditions exist: latent TB infection and TB disease.
TB bacteria can live in the body without making you sick. This is called latent TB infection. In most people who breathe in TB bacteria and become infected, the body is able to fight the bacteria to stop them from growing. People with latent TB infection do not feel sick and do not have any symptoms. People with latent TB infection are not infectious and cannot spread TB bacteria to others. However, if TB bacteria become active in the body and multiply, the person will go from having latent TB infection to being sick with TB disease.
TB bacteria become active if the immune system can’t stop them from growing. When TB bacteria are active (multiplying in your body), this is called TB disease. People with TB disease are sick. They may also be able to spread the bacteria to people they spend time with every day.
Many people who have latent TB infection never develop TB disease. Some people develop TB disease soon after becoming infected (within weeks) before their immune system can fight the TB bacteria. Other people may get sick years later when their immune system becomes weak for another reason.
Bloodborne pathogens such as HIV and hepatitis B and C can spread through direct contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. Follow these safety tips to reduce the risk of exposure to these harmful pathogens:
PPE such as gloves, face shields, and gowns act as barriers against bloodborne pathogens. Make sure the equipment is clean, fits well, and is appropriate for the task. Do not reuse disposable gloves or other single-use items. Dispose properly to prevent contamination.
Place used needles, scalpels, and other sharp objects in designated sharps disposal containers. Avoid recapping needles, as this increases the risk of accidental pricks. Make sure that the containers do not get punctured and are located properly. Dispose of them properly to prevent exposure.
Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling any potentially contaminated items is crucial. Use hand sanitizers as an additional step but not as a substitute for handwashing. Do not touch your face, especially your nose, mouth, and eyes. Maintain hygiene to stay safe.
Vaccines, such as the Hepatitis B vaccine, offer protection against certain bloodborne pathogens. They reduce the risk of infection, especially for healthcare workers or anyone exposed to blood regularly. Consult your doctor about vaccination schedules and keep your immunizations up to date.
Clean accidental blood or bodily fluid spills using specialized spill kits. These kits often include absorbent materials, disinfectants, and PPE to handle biohazardous materials safely. Always follow your workplace protocols for spill management. Proper cleanup minimizes the risk of contamination for everyone involved.
Airborne pathogens, which cause tuberculosis and influenza, spread through tiny droplets in the air. These can infect people when inhaled in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces. Learn the preventive steps to protect yourself and others:
Masks, like surgical masks or N95 respirators, help block airborne droplets that carry pathogens. Make sure your mask fits snugly and covers both your nose and mouth. Replace disposable masks regularly and avoid touching the front part during use.
Keep windows open or use air purifiers to improve indoor air circulation. Good ventilation reduces the concentration of airborne pathogens. This makes it harder for them to spread. Install HEPA filters in workplaces or homes where air circulation is limited.
Avoid crowded spaces, especially during outbreaks of airborne diseases. Maintain a safe distance of at least six feet from others when possible. Social distancing is an effective, simple measure to reduce the risk of direct exposure to infectious droplets.
Frequently touched surfaces like door handles, phones, and desks should be cleaned and disinfected regularly. Use EPA-approved disinfectants to kill airborne pathogens that may settle on surfaces. A clean environment reduces the chance of indirect transmission.
Stay alert for symptoms of airborne diseases, like fever, cough, or shortness of breath. If symptoms appear, seek medical advice and isolate yourself to avoid spreading the illness to others. Early detection and care can prevent complications and protect those around you.
Airborne and bloodborne pathogens pose health risks. But if you understand their differences between airborne and bloodborne pathogens and take the right measures of disease prevention in healthcare, it keeps you away from infections. Airborne pathogens spread through the air. Take precautions such as masks and good ventilation. On the other hand, bloodborne pathogens spread through direct contact with blood or bodily fluid. They need PPE and safe disposal of sharps. Follow simple health safety tips as mentioned above to protect yourself and others from invisible threats. There are online bbp training for individuals such as healthcare providers, teachers, tattoo artists, daycare workers, housekeeping personnel, and general workplace employees who are at risk of being exposed to bloodborne pathogens.
Also read: Common Risks of Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure for Healthcare Workers
Also read: Free OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Training: Does It Really Exist?
