Final answer:
To protect yourself from hepatitis B if you come in contact with the virus, it is important to take appropriate precautions such as wearing gloves and face protection, using disposable syringes and needles, washing exposed skin, and receiving post-exposure treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order to protect yourself from hepatitis B if you come in contact with the virus, it is important to take appropriate precautions. These include:
- Wearing gloves and face protection when coming in contact with body fluids, especially blood
- Using disposable syringes and needles
- Washing exposed skin with soap and water
- Using antiseptics when available
- Receiving post-exposure treatment, including hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and vaccination
- Disinfecting and sterilizing equipment that could potentially transmit the virus
- Testing blood products before transfusions and similar procedures
By following these precautions, the risk of infection can be significantly reduced.