The Anson County Health Department is providing information and facts on Hepatitis while celebrating World Hepatitis Day on Sunday, July 28.
The Anson County Health Department offers Hepatitis vaccines, accepting several insurance options. Based upon eligibility some are offered the vaccine for free. A free educational class on Hepatitis will be offered on Tuesday, July 30, from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m.
According to the press release, over 300 million people are living with hepatitis worldwide and are unaware. Without finding individuals who are diagnosed and providing treatment, millions will continue to suffer, and some will possibly die.
Hepatitis refers to an infection of the liver cells and damage to the liver. There are different types and causes, but the symptoms can be similar. The liver’s functions include cleansing the blood, storing vitamins, and creating hormones. Hepatitis can interrupt these processes and create severe health problems throughout the body. Each type has different characteristics and is spread in different ways. The three most common are hepatitis viruses A, B and C. Any hepatitis infection can become deadly.
Hepatitis A (HAV) usually spreads when a person mistakenly swallows the virus from objects, food, or drinks polluted by small, hidden amounts of stool from an infected person. HAV can also spread from close personal contact with an infected person such as through sex or caring for someone who is ill.
HAV is often mild, most people make a full recovery. After the infection, the body is immune and protected from the virus in the future. There are safe and effective vaccines that protect against this virus. However, if it progresses without treatment or vaccines, symptoms can be serious or deadly. People in areas of the world with poor cleanliness are mostly at risk of getting HAV.
Hepatitis B (HBV) usually swells the liver and delays its functions. Severe damage can result from the infection. HBV infection can become chronic which can lead to complications, including scarring of the liver. It can also cause certain cancers. Hepatitis B is caused by HBV and is spread through contact with infected blood, semen, and some other body fluids such as breast milk. It is also considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
Hepatitis C (HCV) can lead to liver damage and swelling. Around 1 in 4 people with HCV get cirrhosis, and this can lead to liver cancer. It is usually spread through injected narcotics, needle-stick injuries, and a lack of infection control in healthcare settings.
There is no specific treatment for HAV. Most patients with HAV will recover without intervention. A patient with HBV needs to rest and withdraw completely from alcohol. The doctor may prescribe an antiviral agent for treatment. A patient with HAC will also be prescribed antiviral agents for treatment to cure the infection.
“To avoid getting Hepatitis wash your hands regularly; be cautious with consuming raw food; always use protection during sex, and do not share needles or toothbrushes,” the release stated.
Symptoms of Hepatitis include diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite, mild fever, muscle or joint aches, nausea, slight abdominal pain, vomiting, weight loss, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes).
For information, contact Dinikia Savage at 704-994-3342.
The Anson County Health Department is located at 110 Ashe St. in Wadesboro.