Post by iris89 on Feb 14, 2010 16:57:19 GMT -5
The Hidden Danger of Hepatitis:
Reality, two lethal blood-borne viruses are spreading rapidly in North America. They are hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses and have infected over 5 million North Americans. Now approximately one in 60 has one or the other of these – potentially fatal – viruses, many without knowing it.
Hepatitis attacks the liver, and can cause cancer, cirrhosis, and other liver ailments.
Often hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections come with no apparent symptoms, and can lay dormant for weeks, months, or years. Over 65% of the individuals infected with these viruses are unaware of it.
Unfortunately the news media has been very quiet on the matter instead of making the danger known, and the most common ways of getting, or spreading, the viruses are transfusions, unprotected sex, and IV drug use.
For hepatitis B there is a vaccine, but for hepatitis C there is none. Before 1992 organ transplants carried a great risk from these two viruses, but this is no longer the norm due to advanced testing measures now routinely conducted.
Preventative Measures:
[1] Do not share toothbrushes, razors, or other personal items.
[2] Avoid exposure to infected blood through drug use or unprotected sex.
[3] Get yourself and your children vaccinated against hepatitis B.
If you think you have been exposed to hepatitis B, contact your doctor immediately. There is a treatment that may reduce the chances of getting the infection, but it must be given within 24 hours of exposure to this virus.
Your Friend in Christ Iris89
Reality, two lethal blood-borne viruses are spreading rapidly in North America. They are hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses and have infected over 5 million North Americans. Now approximately one in 60 has one or the other of these – potentially fatal – viruses, many without knowing it.
Hepatitis attacks the liver, and can cause cancer, cirrhosis, and other liver ailments.
Often hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections come with no apparent symptoms, and can lay dormant for weeks, months, or years. Over 65% of the individuals infected with these viruses are unaware of it.
Unfortunately the news media has been very quiet on the matter instead of making the danger known, and the most common ways of getting, or spreading, the viruses are transfusions, unprotected sex, and IV drug use.
For hepatitis B there is a vaccine, but for hepatitis C there is none. Before 1992 organ transplants carried a great risk from these two viruses, but this is no longer the norm due to advanced testing measures now routinely conducted.
Preventative Measures:
[1] Do not share toothbrushes, razors, or other personal items.
[2] Avoid exposure to infected blood through drug use or unprotected sex.
[3] Get yourself and your children vaccinated against hepatitis B.
If you think you have been exposed to hepatitis B, contact your doctor immediately. There is a treatment that may reduce the chances of getting the infection, but it must be given within 24 hours of exposure to this virus.
Your Friend in Christ Iris89