DON'T IGNORE THE ABCS OF HEPATITIS TRANSMISSION.Byline: Ann Landers Dear Ann Landers: You recently printed a letter about hepatitis B Hepatitis B Definition Hepatitis B is a potentially serious form of liver inflammation due to infection by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It occurs in both rapidly developing (acute) and long-lasting (chronic) forms, and is one of the most common chronic and C that needs some clarification. Hepatitis B is readily transmitted sexually and is 100 times more infectious than AIDS. On the other hand, hepatitis C Hepatitis C Definition Hepatitis C is a form of liver inflammation that causes primarily a long-lasting (chronic) disease. Acute (newly developed) hepatitis C is rarely observed as the early disease is generally quite mild. is sexually transmitted in less than 10 percent of the cases. There are many married couples in which one partner is infected with hepatitis C and the other is not, even though they have been intimate for years. It is, however, recommended that a condom be used in a new relationship. Many infected people have no visible symptoms and are unaware of the risk of transmitting the virus to others. There are safe and effective vaccines to prevent hepatitis A Hepatitis A Definition Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver caused by a virus, the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It varies in severity, running an acute course, generally starting within two to six weeks after contact with the virus, and lasting no and B, both of which can be sexually transmitted. Hepatitis C is transmitted primarily through blood contact - shared needles, nail files, razor blades and toothbrushes as well as infected needles used in tattooing and body piercing body piercing Body image A disruption of a mucocutaneous surface with jewelry or dangling artifices. See Tattoos. . Transfusion is rarely a source of hepatitis C because donors have been screened carefully since 1990. Research is still being done to find the best treatment to combat this disease. Anyone who would like more information should send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Hepatitis Foundation International, Box 222, Cedar Grove, N.J. 07009. - Thelma King Thiel, chairman and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. , Hepatitis Foundation International Dear Thelma Thiel: Thank you for setting the record straight. I also heard from the American Liver Foundation The American Liver Foundation (ALF) is a non-profit organization that promotes liver health and disease prevention. ALF provides research, education and advocacy for those affected by hepatitis and other liver diseases. The ALF has 26 chapters across the U.S. , telling me the same thing. For all my readers who may be suffering from hepatitis C, please note that this disease is rarely transmitted by sexual contact. It can, however, be passed along through blood contact. Please take care of yourselves. Gem of the day: For people who want peace and quiet, I recommend a phoneless cord. |
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