Blood-borne viral infections are spread by direct contact with the blood of an infected person.
The main blood-borne viruses of concern are:
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
- Hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus which cause hepatitis
These viruses are considered together because infection control requirements are common and because of the similarities in their transmission routes.
A downloadable Community Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Policy which can be adopted by your organisation is available below.
Updated: 27/01/2020