Hepatitis: The silent killer
17 Mayo 2024 - 11:37AM
May is Hepatitis Awareness Month, the perfect time for individuals
to talk to their health care providers about hepatitis
vaccinations. Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by a
virus. The liver is a vital organ that processes nutrients, filters
the blood and fights infections. When the liver is inflamed or
damaged, its function can be affected.
In many cases, people who contract hepatitis do not show
any symptoms and do not know they are infected. Receiving
a hepatitis vaccination is the most effective way to protect
oneself from contracting and spreading the virus.
There are three common strains of hepatitis in the United
States: hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Vaccines are
available for both hepatitis A and hepatitis B, whereas hepatitis C
is generally curable with treatment.
Hepatitis A: Is spread when someone ingests the
virus through close, personal contact with an infected person, or
by eating contaminated food or drink. The hepatitis A vaccine is
available and requires two doses, given six months apart. Receiving
both doses provides the best protection.
Hepatitis B: Is spread when bodily fluids from
a person infected with the hepatitis B virus enter the body of
someone who is not infected. The hepatitis B vaccine is available
for all age groups, given as a series of two, three or four
doses.
There is also a vaccine available that protects adults
from both hepatitis A and hepatitis B. This combined
vaccine is usually given as three separate doses over a six-month
period. Both the hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines are safe and
proven effective.
Hepatitis C: Is spread when blood from a person
infected with the hepatitis C virus enters the body of someone who
is not infected. Although there is no vaccine, it is curable in
more than 95% of cases. Individuals are encouraged to talk to their
health care provider about testing for hepatitis C. For those ages
18 and up in the Jefferson City area, the Missouri Department of
Health and Senior Services is hosting a free hep C
testing event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. CST on Monday, May 20 on the
South Lawn of the Capitol.
Most health insurance plans cover these vaccines. Families
should check with their insurance provider on potential costs and
where to get the vaccines. The Vaccines for Children Program,
funded by the CDC, provides free vaccines to children who qualify.
Parents or guardians can talk with a provider to determine
eligibility.
Additionally, most local public health agencies throughout the
state of Missouri offer vaccinations at affordable rates. To find a
local public health agency near you and schedule an appointment,
visit the Local Public Health Agency Directory.
Mission of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
(DHSS): To promote health and safety through prevention,
collaboration, education, innovation and response.
MEDIA CONTACT:Lisa CoxMissouri Department of
Health and Senior ServicesMedia Inquiry Form