Overview
When you are caring for another person, there's always a chance that you might be exposed to the person's body fluids, such as blood, saliva, urine, or vomit. This can happen if you're stuck by a needle or if body fluids splash into an open cut, or into your mouth, nose, or eyes. You can also be exposed if someone coughs or sneezes near your mouth or eyes.
Some ways that you can have contact with blood or body fluids include:
- Being poked or scratched by a sharp object with blood or body fluids on it, like a needle, broken glass, or scalpel.
- Being bitten by another person.
If your skin has scratches, cuts, or irritation, you can also be exposed to blood or body fluids if you are:
- Cleaning blood or body fluids without protective equipment like gloves.
- Splashed with blood or body fluids.
If you think you’ve been exposed to blood or body fluids, go to your nearest emergency department. If you have any questions, call Health Link at 811.
If this happened at work, tell your employer. Download Worker fact sheet: Contact with blood and other bodily fluids to learn more.
When something like this happens, it can be scary. The biggest concern is getting a disease. You may need repeated tests to check for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV infection. You may need other tests too. The first tests may not show any infection, but your doctor will need them to compare with later tests.
Be sure to talk with your doctor about follow-up tests. You may need tests over the next weeks or months. It can take a long time for some diseases to show up on tests.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
How can you care for yourself at home?
If you’ve been exposed to blood or body fluids, complete first aid and then go to your nearest emergency department.
For splashes or exposure to your eyes, nose, and mouth, flush the area (your eyes, nose, or mouth) with water.
For exposure from being poked or scratched with a sharp object:
- Wash the injured area with soap and water.
- Let the cut, scratch, or poke bleed freely. Do not try to squeeze the area, as this can increase your risk of exposure. Cover open skin with a bandage or clean cloth.
- Do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, bleach, or other chemical cleansers such as antiseptics.
Be safe with medicines. If your doctor prescribed medicine to protect you from disease, make sure you take all the medicine as directed. Call your doctor or nurse advice line if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter C142 in the search box to learn more about "Exposure to Blood and Body Fluids: Care Instructions".
