Page 277 - AIDSBK23C

Page 277

• Physicians and athletic program staff should aggressively promote hepatitis B virus
immunization of all persons who may be exposed to athletes' blood. If possible, all athletes
should receive hepatitis B virus immunization; more than 95 percent of persons who receive
this immunization will be protected against infection.

• Coaches and athletic trainers should receive training in first aid and emergency care, and in
the prevention of transmission of pathogens in the athletic setting.

• Coaches and health care team members should teach athletes about the precautions listed
above and about high-risk activities that may cause transmission of blood-borne pathogens.
Sexual activity and needle sharing during the use of illicit drugs, including anabolic steroids,
carry a high risk of viral transmission. Athletes should be told not to share personal items,
such as razors, toothbrushes and nail clippers, that might be contaminated with blood.

• In some states, depending on state law, schools may be required to comply with the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations for the prevention of
transmission of blood-borne pathogens. The rules that apply must be determined by each
athletic program. Compliance with OSHA regulations is a reasonable and recommended
precaution, even if it is not required by the state.

• The AAP committee also recommends that the following precautions be taken in sports with
direct body contact and sports in which an athlete's blood or other bodily fluids may
contaminate the skin or mucous membranes of other participants or staff members of the
athletic program.

• Athletes should cover existing cuts, abrasions, wounds or other areas of broken skin with an
occlusive dressing before and during participation. Caregivers must also cover their own
damaged skin to prevent transmission of infection to or from an injured athlete.

• Disposable, water-impervious vinyl or latex gloves should be worn to avoid contact with
blood or other bodily fluids visibly tinged with blood and any object contaminated with these
fluids. Hands should be cleaned with soap and water or an alcohol-based antiseptic hand
wash as soon as gloves are removed.

• Athletes with active bleeding should be removed from competition immediately and bleeding
should be stopped. Wounds should be cleaned with soap and water or skin antiseptics.
Wounds should be covered with an occlusive dressing that remains intact during further play
before athletes return to competition.

• Athletes should be told to report injuries and wounds in a timely fashion before or during
competition.

• Minor cuts or abrasions that are not bleeding do not require interruption of play but can be
cleaned and covered during scheduled breaks. During breaks, if an athlete's equipment or