Introducing: Warning Wednesdays!!

Wednesdays are now dedicated to warning and informing you on matters concerning your health, fitness, well-being and lifestyles.

Todays topic at hand touches very close to home:

Hepatitis.

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver causing fever, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, dark urine, extreme fatigue and jaundice. There are viral and non viral causes of hepatitis, the two most common are hepatitis A & B.

Hepatitis A:
- accounts for 20 – 40% of acute hepatitis in adults.
- Usually contracted through ingestion of a contaminated surface.
- Outbreaks and exposures in Canada are results of contaminated water and food due to sewage runoff.
- Up to 25% of cases, risk factor is unidentifiable.
- Usually self limited & resolves on its own but severity increases with age.
- Lasts up to 10 weeks while recovery can take up to a year.
- Likelihood of death is 1-3 per 1000 but increases to 12/1000 in people over 50.

Hepatitis B:
- infection from blood or body fluids including sexual transmissions.
- 100 times more infectious than HIV and is often without any symptoms.
- Chronic carriers have increased susceptibility to cirrhosis ad liver cancer.
- Up to 27% of cases, risk factors aren’t identified.
- Over 12% of acute cases are acquired through hospitalization, surgery and/or dental visits.
- On rare occasions, it may clear spontaneously.
- Can last up to 3 months with 1 – 2% mortality.
- After acute infection, chronic infection occurs in 2 – 10% with risk of long term complications.
- Highest incidence in ages 20 – 39.

Protect yourself by avoiding behaviour that puts you at risk. Washing hands before and after food preparation, as well as proper hand washing techniques after using a washroom are critical. Avoid sharing personal hygiene products. Consider hepatitis A and B vaccines for you and your family by speaking to your health care provider.