Definition of needle stick injury

Needle stick injuries refer to wounds caused by accidental puncture of needle into the skin. It is just a sudden prick into skin. And it is not much painful but it is dangerous to health. Skin plays important role to protect the internal vital organs from invasion if micro-organisms like bacteria, viruses and other harmful microbes. But when needle puncture the skin it gives way to these microscopic germs to enter into body. Proper care is very important to stop infections caused by needle.

Higher Risk of Infection

It is interesting to note here that who is at higher risk of getting needle stick injury?

The answer is all those people who are working with needle equipment are at risk of this type of injury. Here is a list of people who are at higher risk of getting injury.

1. Agricultural workers

2. Food preparers

3. Tattoo artists

4. Laborers

5. Law enforcement workers

6. Tailors

8. Nurses

7. Medical lab workers

As these people are constantly exposed to needle and needle like instruments so they are more likely to get injury while doing their daily routine work.

Hazards Caused by Needle Stick Injury

People don’t take needle stick injury seriously as it does not hurt as other injuries do. But it is very important to take proper care of these injuries as well because they can cause many health hazards. Primarily skin protects the body and microscopic germs cannot enter into the body because of skin but when needle punctures the skin it open the entry for these microbes.

There are more chances that needle may be infectious as well. If needle pricks a person who is having a health condition is pricked by another healthy person then it can cause same health condition in second person as well.

Following is the list of diseases which are caused by the needle stick.

AIDS (Acquired immune Deficiency Syndrome)

AIDS is incurable disease caused by the HIV virus. In this disease HIV virus enters into the body and attacks white blood cells. White blood cells are the defense system of body. When they are attacked by virus immunity of body fails to fight with any infection. As a result body gets sunder attack of many infections which includes many severe infections such as cancer and TB.

AIDS is caused by transfer of body fluid of infected person to non- infected person. When a needle enters to an infected person it gets infection. And if a healthy person uses same needle and it accidently make way to body it will also infect him.

Hepatitis B

Among all the viruses which are more easily acquired by the needle stick is virus of hepatitis. 30-50%people who are suffering from hepatitis B get this infection through the prick of needle.

Nowadays vaccination of virus is available. If person is vaccinated for hepatitis B then there is less chance of getting severe infection even if needle stick injury occurs.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is inflammatory disease of liver and it is caused by hepatitis c virus. It effects  the liver. It has short as well as long term effects. In long term it causes cancer of lever.

Hepatitis is also transferred from one person to another if a person gets  in touch with infected needle stick But there are less chances of getting this virus into body by needle stick  as compared to above 2 viruses.

Herpes

Herpes is rarely caused by needle stick but there are still chances of getting infection.  In this disease blister and ulcers appears on infected are. It is viral transmitted disease. If needle get in touch with these blisters and ulcers then it may cause herpes.

Precautionary Measures

Whenever you get a needle stick injury it is very important to take following precautionary measures to avoid infection.

1. As soon as you get needle stick injury go to tab and keep your wound under running water for some time.
2. Wash the wound properly with soap and water. It will help to remove germs from the wound.
3. Do not scrub the wound harshly. Rinse in with water softly.
4. Most of the people start to suck the blood as soon as they get injury from needle stick. This is very harmful practice. As soon as you start to suck the injury virus will enter into your body more easily and can cause infection. So always try to avoid sucking after getting needle stick injury.
5. After washing it dry your wound and cover it with waterproof plaster. Waterproof plaster will help to keep the wound safe from water. As water is a good medium for virus movement.
6. After this above treatment it is suggested to go to doctor or clinic. They will wash your wound more properly with medicines and it will decrease the chance of getting any infection.