Final answer:
To protect against blood borne diseases, use protective barriers such as gloves and masks, practice hand hygiene, ensure needles for tattoos or piercings are sterile, use condoms during sexual activity, get vaccinated, and avoid contact with sick individuals.
Step-by-step explanation:
To protect yourself against all blood borne diseases, practice universal precautions which include avoiding contact with blood and other potentially infectious materials. Always use protective barriers such as gloves, and if applicable, face shields or masks when the situation involves a risk of blood splatter. Be vigilant about hand hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and water, especially after exposure to any body fluids. Ensure any tattoos or piercings are done with sterile, single-use needles. Sexual activity carries risks of transmitting blood borne diseases, so using condoms consistently and correctly with all partners is critical.
For healthcare workers, following established protocols for infection control, using disposable syringes and needles, and ensuring proper sterilization of the equipment are essential practices. Post-exposure measures like hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and vaccination should be administered if an exposure incident occurs. Moreover, vaccinations are highly effective in preventing certain infectious diseases and should be kept up to date. To reduce the risk from vectors like mosquitoes, remove standing water, use insect repellent, and employ protective measures like mosquito nets. Lastly, maintaining general health and avoiding contact with sick individuals can further lower your risk of infection.