|
|
|
Are you number 12? Hepatitis Week - Lower Mid North Coast
Are you number 12? Hepatitis Week - Lower Mid North Coast
One in 12 people worldwide are living with chronic Hepatitis B or C, making the virus more prevalent than any cancer. Despite this, most people know little about the serious disease.
This week is National Hepatitis Awareness Week (19-26 May).
Taree Community Health Hepatitis and Sexual Health Nurse Specialist Julie Elmes said it is important that community have a greater understanding of hepatitis.
“Hepatitis simply means liver inflammation which is often caused by a virus. Although there are five different viruses that cause hepatitis including A, B, C, D and E only Hepatitis B and C can become chronic and cause long term illnesses including liver disease,” Ms Elmes said.
“Most adults who become infected with Hepatitis B recover, however in a small percentage of cases, chronic infection may lead to scarring of the liver (cirrhosis) and liver cancer.
“The long-term implications of Hepatitis C also include cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer and is the leading cause of liver transplants in Australia.”
In Australia, it is estimated that between 90,000 and 160,000 people have chronic Hepatitis B and another 264,000 have been exposed to the Hepatitis C virus.
Ms Elmes said thousands of people are unaware they are infected with hepatitis and may be unknowingly spreading hepatitis which is why it’s important for everyone to understand how to prevent becoming infected.
“The most effective way of preventing the spread of Hepatitis B is through vaccination. Unlike Hepatitis B there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C, so avoiding exposure is the only way to stop the spread of the virus.”
Ms Elmes said the Hepatitis B virus is found in bodily fluids such as blood, saliva and semen, and the Hepatitis C virus is carried in the blood and spread through blood-to-blood contact.
“Both Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C can be spread from mother to baby during childbirth, by sharing items such as razors, toothbrushes and
injecting equipment, and through unsterile body piercing and tattooing equipment,” Ms Elmes said.
“Hepatitis B may also be transmitted during breastfeeding and sexual intercourse.”
“It is important for anyone who thinks they may be at risk of hepatitis to talk to their healthcare provider about treatment options.
“Some people attach a social stigma to hepatitis as they incorrectly believe that people only become infected with hepatitis from drug use.
“The fact is hepatitis affects people from all walks of life and it is important that we don’t allow people with the illness to become isolated,” Ms Elmes said.
Contact: Tanya Carlyle
Phone: (02) 4939 2602
|
|
|