Symptoms of Bloodborne Pathogens

Bloodborne pathogens, in general, are micro-organisms that enter the bloodstream and cause diseases in humans. Broad spectrums of conditions are identified as such, including hepatitis B and C, HIV and malaria. Bloodborne pathogens enter the bloodstream via bodily fluids, sexual activity, needles or insect bites. These micro-organisms silently enter the body because many of the symptoms of bloodborne pathogens mask other sicknesses.

Flulike Symptoms

• Some symptoms of bloodborne pathogens seem like people are suffering from mild flu bugs. Infected people many experience mild body aches and other flulike symptoms, such as fever.

Stomach Problems

• Union University Health Services Clinic says that stomach problems can be a symptom of bloodborne pathogens. These stomach problems include aches and pains, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Fatigue

• People infected with bloodborne pathogens feel physical symptoms like fatigue and weakness that doesn't seem to go away.

Weight Loss

• The University of Central Florida Environmental Health and Safety Department says that unexplained, rapid weight loss can be a symptom of a bloodborne pathogen.

Jaundice

• The U.S. National Library of Medicine defines jaundice as a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. This symptom of bloodborne pathogens tells the body that not enough oxygen is reaching the bloodstream and that the body is overproducing bilirubin, which leads to the yellowing.