Preventing Hepatitis B: Managing Needle Stick Injuries and Utilizing Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses a significant global public health challenge, with approximately a quarter of the world's population showing serological evidence of past or present infection. Healthcare workers are particularly vulnerable to serious and potentially life-threatening HBV infections due to their work environment. Needle stick injuries are a major risk for occupational transmission of HBV and can occur during various procedures such as needle recapping, surgeries, blood collection, intravenous line administration, blood sugar monitoring, and improper disposal of sharps or needles. However, infections from occupational exposure can be largely prevented through stringent control measures, including the use of safe devices, proper waste disposal, immunization, and timely management of exposures, including Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). This review emphasizes the importance of first aid management, reporting, baseline investigations, and the role of post-exposure prophylaxis in preventing Hepatitis B following a needle stick injury.