Emergency Department and Minor Injury Unit
You have been given this information because you may have been exposed to a blood borne virus.
A blood borne virus (BBV) is an infection that can be transmitted from one person (the donor) to another through direct contact of bodily fluids, especially blood. This can be from a used needle, a bite injury to the skin, or transmission of bodily fluids including sexual intercourse.
The main viruses of concern are:
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Risk of transmission in a HIGH RISK patient:
- Hepatitis B – 1 in 3
- Hepatitis C – 1 in 30
- HIV – 1 in 300
You have been assessed as a LOW RISK patient
Immediate treatment given
- You will have an initial vaccination today to reduce your risk of hepatitis B infection.
- You will have blood taken today which will be stored in the hospital laboratory.
- THIS WILL NOT BE TESTED unless you develop any concerning symptoms.
- If your injury was caused by a human bite – you will also need a course of antibiotic tablets to protect against bacterial skin infections.
- Because you are low risk, you do not need any further treatment today.
Further treatment required
2 further hepatitis B vaccinations from your GP: in 1 month and 2 months
You need blood tests at your GP surgery in 3 months for hepatitis B and C and HIV
You should use condoms if you engage in any sexual activity until then
You should not donate blood for the next 6 months and only if you have tested negative for any BBV
You may need a ‘booster’ hepatitis B vaccine in 12 months.
It is up to YOU to make these appointments with your GP
You should seek urgent medical advice if you develop a fever or if you become unwell in the next 3 months.
Hepatitis B vaccination schedule
| Date of first vaccination today: |
| Second due 1 month from today: |
| Third due 2 months from today: |
Further information
For further advice and information about your condition, please choose from the following:
- ‘NHS Patient Choices’ website: www.nhs.uk
- ‘Making Lives Better’ patient website: www.patient.info
- Telephone NHS 111
- Contact your General Practitioner
Contact details
- The James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, TS4 3BW
Telephone: 01642 850850 - The Friarage, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL6 1JG
Telephone: 01609 779911 - Redcar Primary Care Hospital, West Dyke Road, Redcar, TS10 4NW
Telephone: 01642 511000
If you have any medical concerns or need advice please contact 111, for further information regarding this leaflet please contact [email protected]
This email will be monitored 9am-4pm Monday to Friday.
Email: s[email protected]
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]