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Body Substance Exposure

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 2, 2024.

Body substance exposure is when you come in contact with another person's blood or body fluid that contains blood. Contact may place you at risk for hepatitis B virus (HBV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or hepatitis C virus (HCV). Semen or vaginal fluid can also spread infection.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Ways that body substance exposure can occur:

What to do when exposed to a body substance:

Treatment that may be given for body substance exposure:

Postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) is medical treatment that may protect a person from infection after exposure to another person's body fluids. PEP may be needed if the person whose fluids you were exposed to has a known infection. Do not donate blood, organs, tissues, or semen until your follow-up is completed at 6 months.

Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed:

You will need more blood tests. PEP for HIV often causes side effects. Talk with your provider about your symptoms. Your provider will need to make sure you are taking the medicine correctly. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

Prevent body substance exposure:

If you care for another person who has HBV, HIV, or HCV, protect yourself and others from infection:

Contact your healthcare provider if:

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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