A Grassroots Non-profit Organization dedicated to finding a cure for Hepatitis C.
HCV is caused by blood (or blood product) to blood contact.
HEPATITIS A - INFECTIOUS HEPATITIS
The virus is excreted in the feces of infected people and can be passed on
when contaminated food or water is consumed. Hepatitis A is most commonly
transmitted by person to person contact via fecal contamination, but epidemics
can occur from sources of contaminated food, water or ice cubes. Poor
sanitation and overcrowding facilitate transmission, and outbreaks are common in
institutions, prisons and the military.
Once you have been exposed to Hepatitis A, (been infected, or had hepatitis A-not everyone who is exposed develops the infection)
you have lifelong immunity and cannot
contract the virus again.
PREVENTION
A vaccination made from inactivated Hepatitis A Virus is now available and
consists of an initial vaccination followed by a booster that is effective
94-100% of the time.
HEPATITIS B - SERUM HEPATITIS
HOW IS HEPATITIS B TRANSMITTED
Hepatitis B (HBV) is transmitted by the exchange of body fluids e.g. blood,
semen, breast milk and in some circumstances saliva. People most at risk
include: Anybody who has unprotected sexual intercourse; IV drug users who share
needles and syringes (or any drug equipment, saline or mixing solution)
health care workers in contact with potentially
contaminated blood or body fluids; babies born to mothers with the Virus;
and anyone in intimate contact with an infected person. Many cases
of acute Hepatitis B occur sporadically with no known source and studies have
shown that prior unrecognized infection is common.
PREVENTION
A safe and effective genetically engineered vaccine for hepatitis B is
available. It is given in 3 subcutaneous injections (it is given IM or intramuscularly, deep into the muscle)
generally over a period of 6 months and conveys immunity in 90 to 95% of people
treated. At the end of the course of injections, a blood test is
taken to see if you have developed the required antibodies. For the 5 -
10% of people who do not respond some new research has shown that a repeat
course of injections given intramuscularly can create an immune response in
between 62-98% (depending on several factors) of those who did not respond or
whose response did not last when given subcutaneously.
HEPATITIS C
Hepatitis C, formally Non A - Non B Hepatitis is caused by the Hepatitis C Virus.
Between 150,000 and 250,000 people are diagnosed with Hepatitis C in the United
States each year. Hemophiliacs and drug abusers are at the greatest risk,
but anyone of any status or age and in any walk of life, is at risk for
acquiring the Hepatitis C Virus. Researchers have found that many people
infected with Hepatitis C, don't even know it. From 20 to 40 percent
of patients in inner-city hospitals are infected, as are 80 percent of current
IV or inhaled substance drug abusers. Anyone that received a blood
transfusion prior to 1992 is considered to be a risk as well.
PREVENTION
There is currently no vaccination available against Hepatitis
C. As Hepatitis C and other diseases can be spread by sharing
objects with infected blood on it (even though it may not be visible) you can
reduce the risk of infection by not sharing items of personal hygiene that may
be contaminated such as razors, nail clippers, scissors, and tooth brushes.
