Medi-Cal Clinic Placer | Chapa-De Indian Health Auburn Grass Valley

World Hepatitis Day

July 28 2017

Almost 400 million people worldwide are affected by liver disease that is a result of being infected with a Hepatitis virus. These diseases kill more than 1.4 million people every year and in 2013 was the 7th leading cause of death worldwide.

Awareness for World Hepatitis is celebrated on July 28th, and Chapa-De wants to remind our patients of the importance of knowing what hepatitis is, and what Chapa-De can do to assist you in Hepatitis prevention and detection.

Hepatitis is a disease that causes inflammation of the liver and other severe symptoms depending on which type of hepatitis you contract.

Different Types of Hepatitis:

• Hepatitis A—Spread when someone who has not been exposed to Hepatitis A has not had their shots and ingests food/water that has been contaminated with the feces of an infected person. Rarely fatal but can cause serious symptoms.
• Hepatitis B– Spread through contact with blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person. This form of Hepatitis is not life-threatening, but can cause liver cirrhosis or liver cancer if you are chronically ill.
• Hepatitis C– Spread through contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person. This is the most common form of Hepatitis, mostly caused by unsafe injections or other medical procedures. It can cause both acute and chronic illnesses, such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer which can be life threatening.
• Hepatitis D– Spread through contact with infected blood ad can only occur in people who are infected with the Hepatitis B virus.
• Hepatitis E– Spread through contaminated drinking water and usually clears within 4-6 weeks.

Symptoms of Hepatitis

• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Mild fever
• Muscle joint or aches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pain in your belly
• Dark Urine
• Light-colored stools
• Jaundice (yellowing of  the skin)
• Itchy feeling

How to prevent Hepatitis

• Get the proper shots and booster shots when needed.
• Wash your hands after going to the bathroom and before eating or fixing food.
• Use latex condoms, helps to lower the risk of transmission.
• Avoid tap water when traveling to different countries or regions.
• Don’t share needles.
• Don’t share personal items- toothbrushes, razors, nail clippers.

Chapa-De recommends our patients receive an immunization for Hepatitis B . This immunization is commonly given to infants at birth, followed up with 2 more doses given alongside the baby’s normal immunization schedule. We also offer this immunization series to patients of any age who have not yet been immunized.

“One in 30 baby boomers has been infected with hepatitis C and most don’t know it.”

Chapa-De also recommends that all baby boomers (born between 1945-1965) be tested for Hepatitis C. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “One in 30 baby boomers has been infected with hepatitis C and most don’t know it.” Up to 75 percent of hepatitis C infection can be cured before they cause long-term damage if they are detected.

Chapa-De is your Medi-Cal clinic in Auburn and Grass Valley serving Placer, Nevada and Sierra Counties. Please speak with your Chapa-De Medical Provider if you would like to learn more about these tests or immunizations. CONTACT US today!

PASSIONATE PEOPLE. COMPASSIONATE CARE.

Chapa-De provides medical care, dental care, optometry, behavioral health, pharmacy services and much more.

Serving all American Indian, Low Income and Limited Income Community
Members

Medi-Cal Clinic Placer | Chapa-De Auburn Grass Valley