What health condition may a healthcare worker be at risk for after a contaminated needle?

• A. Hepatitis C
• B. HIV
• C. Influenza
• D. Hepatitis B

Answer: (D)

Exposure to blood via a contaminated needle can transmit bloodborne pathogens. Hepatitis B virus is highly infectious through percutaneous exposure, and vaccination provides strong protection, making HBV the most significant risk to healthcare workers after a needlestick. If exposure occurs in someone who isn’t immune, post‑exposure steps include completing the hepatitis B vaccine series and, in some cases, hepatitis B immune globulin to boost protection. By contrast, HIV can be transmitted by needle-stick but with a lower per‑exposure risk, and there is a targeted post‑exposure treatment protocol if indicated. Hepatitis C can also be transmitted through needlesticks but there is no vaccine, so prevention relies on vaccination against HBV and strict infection‑control practices. Influenza is a respiratory virus and is not transmitted via contaminated needles in the same way.