There is a high risk of exposure to HBV in the health care setting as HBV can live outside of the body for up to 14 days. Therefore, surface disinfection is essential for reducing exposure risk. After a needle stick or sharps exposure to HBV positive blood, about 4 of 10 unvaccinated or previously uninfected health-care workers become infected.

Infection may be hard to identify; 1/3 of those infected have no recognizable symptoms, 1/3 develop flu-like symptoms, and only 1/3 develop classic hepatitis symptoms of jaundice, dark urine, fatigue, joint pain, nausea, and fever.

Free vaccination for Hepatitis B for employees at risk of occupational exposure is available from Occupational Health Services (885-7580).

Full immunization for HBV requires three doses of vaccine over 6 months.

UCSF Medical Center - Annual Review for RNs - Infection Control: Including Compounding of Medications - 3 -