OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO VIRAL INFECTIONS IN HEALTHCARE SETTINGS: RISKS, TRANSMISSION DYNAMICS, AND PREVENTION STRATEGIES FOR BLOOD-BORNE AND AIRBORNE PATHOGENS

Abstract

Occupational exposure can occur in the workplace through contact with blood, body fluids, contaminated sharp objects, and inhalation of infectious airborne particles and remains a possibility for exposure for healthcare workers (HCWs). Hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are examples of blood-borne viruses (BBVs) that are a common risk for occupations because they are spread through needlestick injury and mucocutaneous exposure. Another occupational hazard as well is viruses that can be transmitted efficiently through the air via aerosols and droplets, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the measles virus. Up-to-date information on occupational exposure to viruses in health care settings is described, with particular reference to the dynamics of virus transmission, risk factors for transmission, the consequences of infection, diagnosis of infection, and the measures that might be taken to prevent it. Risk factors include occupational group, low workload, inadequate training, lack of immunization, poor compliance with infection control measures, and other factors related to the system. Early diagnosis and surveillance of these infections have recently gained more importance with novel diagnostics like real-time PCR and molecular methods. Standard precautions, hand hygiene, PPE, immunization, engineering controls, PEP, and training are the primary methods of preventing viral occupational exposure. But the lack of resources, availability of personal protective equipment, drug resistance, and inconsistent use of IPC guidelines are still barriers to preventing occupational viral exposure, especially in low- and middle-income countries.  The need is to improve occupational health policies, surveillance systems, and implementation of future technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) to better protect HCWs and reduce the occupational viral disease burden.