Post-exposure prophylaxis after a needlestick injury
Needlestick injuries occur mainly in the health care sector. A prick with a needle that was previously in contact with infected material or blood can cause transmission of the pathogen present. Particular focus is placed on the HI virus, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. After a needlestick injury, the administration of post-exposure prophylaxis may be necessary.
It depends on several factors. Firstly, the so-called index patient is considered, i.e. the person whose blood or fluid was handled. Furthermore, the blood of the person who has suffered a needlestick injury is examined.
In addition, the vaccination status of hepatitis B in the affected persons is checked. Depending on the results of the blood tests on the index patient and the “needle-stick injured” person, post-exposure prophylaxis is then recommended. Patients should always present themselves to their doctor so that he can initiate the necessary blood tests and decide on further measures depending on the findings.
Post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV
The HI-Virus can be transmitted in different ways. These include, in particular, unprotected sexual intercourse with an HIV-positive person and injury with a needle that has previously come into contact with HIV-infected blood. If there is a risk of HIV transmission, it is best to counteract this by administering HIV prophylaxis within the next 24 hours.
After 72 hours, post-exposure prophylaxis is generally no longer recommended. However, the exact procedure is determined by a competent physician, e.g. an infectiologist.The post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV usually consists of 3 preparations, which should be taken over a period of 4 weeks or 1 month. You are afraid of having an HIV disease and show the typical symptoms? In this way you can immediately make sure that there is indeed an infection.
Post-exposure prophylaxis for hepatitis B
A possible infection with hepatitis B can result from a needle-stick injury with hepatitis B infected blood. Many people are vaccinated against hepatitis B, but if the vaccination status is insufficient or non-existent, post-exposure prophylaxis is necessary to reduce the risk of the disease breaking out. In unvaccinated persons, vaccination and simultaneous administration of immunoglobulins is recommended as post-exposure prophylaxis.
For previously vaccinated persons, the antibody status in the blood is checked and the further procedure or the necessity of post-exposure prophylaxis is determined based on this. Hepatitis B infection can also be prevented in advance by vaccination. All important information on this topic can be found here: Vaccination against Hepatitis B
