Which of the following is a common threat to blood exposure and bloodborne pathogens?

HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is classified as a bloodborne pathogen, meaning it is transmitted through exposure to infected blood or certain bodily fluids. It poses a significant health risk due to its ability to lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), which severely compromises the immune system. Because of its mode of transmission, precautions must be taken in medical and healthcare environments to prevent exposure to blood that may be contaminated with HIV.

The other options listed, while associated with illnesses, are not primarily spread through blood exposure. The flu virus and influenza refer to the same illness and are airborne viruses primarily spread through respiratory droplets, not through blood. Staphylococcus is a type of bacteria that can cause infections but is commonly transmitted through direct contact with an infected wound or skin rather than through blood exposure specifically.