Guest guest Posted May 9, 2010 Report Share Posted May 9, 2010 Know Your Hepatitis ABCs Author: Maggie Hoomes May is National Hepatitis Awareness Month. Knowing your hepatitis ABC’s may save your life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched the first national hepatitis awareness campaign in 2001. Over 5 million Americans suffer from chronic hepatitis virus B (HBV) and C (HCV). Take the time to raise your hepatitis awareness. Learn the basic hepatitis facts. You can be proactive in hepatitis prevention. Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. It commonly refers to a group of viral liver infections. A is for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and hepatitis virus A (HAV). AIH is a non-viral form of hepatitis caused by an overactive immune system attacking the liver. HAV doesn’t lead to chronic infection, but it is an acute liver disease. Hepatitis B (HBV) can lead to liver cancer. HBV can be deadly. Hepatitis C (HCV) is transmitted through infected blood. HCV is the US’s most common blood-borne viral infection. It can result in cirrhosis of the liver. Hepatitis D (HDV) and E (HEV) are uncommon in the United States. HDV is transmitted through infectious blood, like HBV. HEV contamination is frequently found in countries with poor sanitation systems. Hepatitis is an indiscriminate disease, affecting all races and cultures. Hepatitis prevention requires using your common sense and practicing good hygiene. Think twice before getting a new tattoo. Getting a tattoo in an unclean environment with dirty needles can lead to Hepatitis B and C infection. Check the CDC’s Travelers’ Health Yellow Book before planning your next international vacation. Educate yourself about your vacation destinations’ sanitary practices or disease outbreaks. Get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B. Vaccination can prevent HAV and HAB in children and adults. Practice safe sex. Consuming liver toxins (alcohol and drugs) can increase your risk of contracting hepatitis. Liver cancer and liver transplantation are caused primarily by viral hepatitis. The hepatitis statistics are alarming. 1.2 million Americans have HBV. 3.2 million Americans have HCV. Annually, 25,000 people contract HAV; 43,000 contract HBV; and 17,000 people contract HCV. A simple blood test can determine if you have contracted hepatitis. Join the fight to eradicate hepatitis from the United States. Unite globally on May 19th to celebrate World Hepatitis Day. http://technorati.com/lifestyle/article/know-your-hepatitis-abcs1/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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