Clean Needle Flashcards
What are the natural barriers that protect against infection?
external –> skin mucus membranes of nose and throat
internal –> stomach acid, uncompromised respiratory mucosa
immune system–> humoral and cellular branches
What are 2 types of infection associated with acupuncture?
1) autogenous –> pathogens present on patients skin are transferred to another body area (low risk)
- reused needles
2) cross infection
pathogens from another person or the environment (higher risk and more likely in office settting)
What types of hepatitis do we worry about in acu?
B and C
how are A and E hepatitis spread?
fecal-oral
how are B, C , D hepatitis spread?
blood or sexual contact
what are 2 types of chronic carriers of hepatitis?
persistent and active
persistent –> asymptomatic but still infectious
active–> progressive disease process with liver damage
Who is most susceptible to getting hep A?
young kids and adults in autumn
poor sanitation and overcrowding
abrupt onset, symptoms last less than 2 months
can relapse 15% of time or last 6-9 months
immunity is life long
Where do you find hep E?
pregnant women have 20% mortality rate *
developing countries, contaminated water
which hepatitis is the greatest concern for acu?
B
lives outside the body for atleast 1 week at room temp.
kids in ASYMPTOMATIC and in 30% of adults ***
Can hep B cause lifelong infections, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure and death?
YES!
but not as chronic as hep C
hep C is chronic more often
Are there vaccines for hep B?
yes, check titer every 5 years, can last up to 20 years
vaccine good for 5 years
How is hep B transferred?
blood, semen, other bodily fluids
routes of transmission
percutaneous, parenteral, perinatal
can you transmit hep B through casual contact, eating utensils or contaminated water or food?
no!
if infected can you practice during acute infectious period?
NO!! can’t work for 160 days with hep B
treated with immune globulin if NON-vaccinated.
what is the most common blood borne viral infection in the US?
hep C
60% chronic liver disease much more common
75-85% are chorinically infection can cause cancer
