Which hepatitis virus is of greatest concern in the work place?
Hepatitis B is the greatest concern because it is a hardy virus that is easily transmitted through blood and body fluids with blood in them so there is a high risk of infection after an exposure. Hepatitis B virus can survive on surfaces for up to a month. How can I protect myself from hepatitis B infection? Get vaccinated! The vaccine is free! It’s a series of three shots over six months. The vaccine is given in the deltoid muscle. Vaccination is no substitute for Standard Precautions. How safe is Hepatitis B vaccine? It’s a very safe, very effective vaccine. It’s a genetically engineered vaccine using Brewer’s yeast. Common side effects may include tenderness and redness at site of injection or slight fever. These are of short duration. Don’t get hepatitis B vaccine if you are severely allergic to yeast! What about hepatitis C? There is a lower risk, but not zero risk, of infection with the hepatitis C virus in the workplace. Currently there is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C infec
