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Minor cuts and scrapes happen every day, but even these small injuries can serve as entry points for serious infections like hepatitis B and C. These viruses spread through contact with infected blood, making proper care of any wound is essential to treat properly, not just to avoid bacterial infections but also to reduce the risk of bloodborne diseases.
Our skin is an incredible barrier designed to keep harmful germs out. However, even a small break in the skin provides an entry point for bacteria and viruses. Minor cuts, scrapes, or punctures allow these microorganisms direct access to the bloodstream, where they can multiply and cause infection.
Hepatitis B and C viruses can be transmitted through contact with infected blood, even in situations that feel routine or low-risk. You don’t need to be exposed to needles or blood transfusions; everyday activities can pose a risk if blood from an infected person touches an open wound.
Even though a cut might seem insignificant, it can still become infected and, if bloodborne viruses are involved, it could lead to hepatitis transmission. This makes understanding proper wound care and infection prevention critical for hepatitis prevention and control.
Taking care of a minor injury immediately reduces the risk of infection and helps your body heal faster:
Hepatitis transmission isn’t limited to medical settings. It can happen during everyday activities if proper hygiene is overlooked. Some common scenarios include:
Hepatitis prevention and control starts with awareness and good hygiene habits. Proper wound care, safe handling of blood, and avoiding sharing personal items are your first lines of defense. Additionally, hepatitis B vaccination is highly effective and recommended for anyone at risk of exposure.
If you ever have an infected cut or are unsure about the risk, seek medical advice promptly. Early intervention can prevent complications and reduce the spread of infections.
Most minor cuts heal well with proper home care, but there are situations where professional medical advice is necessary:
Proper care of even minor cuts and scrapes is essential to prevent infections like hepatitis B and C. Knowing how to recognize signs of infection and when to seek medical help empowers you to protect your health. Consistent hygiene and prompt wound care are key to reducing the risk of bloodborne diseases and other complications.
At Family Care Centers Medical Group, we provide expert guidance on wound care. If you have concerns about an infected cut, our dedicated team is here to help. Visit our Irvine Woodbridge Walk-In or Costa Mesa Urgent Care location today.
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Dr. Bunten is originally from Huntington Beach, CA. He attended high school in Tokyo, Japan, went to college at UC San Diego and then to medical school in the Midwest. He returned home to California for residency training in Family Medicine at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. His immediate family all reside in Huntington Beach.
Dr Fishbein has been in the practice of family medicine for over 35 years in Irvine. He received his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University, medical degree from Chicago Medical School, and completed his family medicine residency at Memorial Hospital of Long Beach.
Dr. Kim is the Medical Director of Family Care Centers, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Hoag Hospital, and a recipient of the Physicians of Excellence award from the Orange County Medical Association. He is Board Certified in Family Medicine, and has been practicing in our community for over 20 years.
Dr. Memon is a board certified Family Medicine physician and recently completed her fellowship in Geriatrics at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center. She attended Saint George’s University, School of Medicine and completed her residency at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Her interest in medicine started at an early age and has since evolved into a passionate career.
Dr. Gina Nguyen obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Irvine where she graduated Suma Cum Laude. She went to USC Keck School of Medicine, and returned to UC Irvine for a Family Medicine Residency. Since 2005, she worked at Kaiser Permanente, VNCOC, and Family Care Center Urgent Care.
Dr. Williams is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. He is a native to Orange County and returned home after completing his medical degree at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. After completing his residency in family practice he successfully completed a fellowship in sports medicine.
Dr. Hye Lee is a board-certified Family Practice Physician, affiliated with the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice.She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Riverside and earned her medical degree from Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center. Afterward, she did her internship at Downey Regional Medical Center in California and has been a primary care physician since 2005.
Dr. Coyne is a board certified family practice physician and a California native. He completed his undergraduate degree at UCLA before earning his medical degree at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Dr Coyne spent 6 years in the US Air Force at Andrews and Luke Air Force bases, eventually separating as a Major. He enjoys working with patients of all ages.”
Dr. Jay Friehling is a Family Practice physician who has worked in Orange County since 1981. Born in Florida, he received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and then earned a Medical Degree at the New York Medical College.” His healthcare interests include Diabetes, Geriatric Care, and Hospice Care.
Dr. Jennifer Shoquist is board certified in Family Medicine. Her special interest is woman’s health and her practice accepts patients from 6 years old to seniors. Dr. Shoquist received her M.D. degree at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston in Houston, Texas, and did her residency with Memorial Family Practice at memorial Southwest Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Tom is a board certified family medicine physician and native Californian. He received his bachelors of science with great distinction in biochemistry and honors in chemistry. Dr. Tom was awarded a Regents Scholarship to attend medical school at UC Irvine.
Dr. Yan attended Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Family Practice residency at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California. She joined Family Care Center in 2001. She chose Family Practice because she enjoys working with a wide variety of people and because it provides a unique opportunity for continuing care.
