Immunization Hepatitis


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HEP

Viral hepatitis is a term commonly used for several clinically similar yet etiologically and epidemiologically distinct diseases. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B have been recognized as separate entities since the early 1940s.

In addition to hepatitis A and B there are several other viruses that specifically attack the liver. However, the three most common are the hepatitis A, B, and C viruses.

Although people can recover from an infection, unfortunately many become chronic carriers of hepatitis B and hepatitis C. This can lead to more serious complications later in life. Fortunately, vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B and are recommended for all high-risk individuals. Because other hepatitis vaccines are not yet available, providers are encouraged to discuss prevention and risk-reduction strategies with high-risk patients.

Facts to consider -

The highest rates of hepatitis A virus (HAV) are among children 5-14 years of age.
The incidence of HAV is substantially higher in the western United States than in other parts of the country. Currently Utah ranks as the 5th highest state in the nation.
The annual cost associated with hepatitis A is estimated at $200 million in the U.S % Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection during childhood carries a high risk of chronic Infection. Children who become chronically infected have a 25% risk of dying prematurely from liver cancer or cirrhosis.
HBV is 100 times more contagious than HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
1 out of 20 Americans has been infected with HBV and there are 200,000 new infections each year. Thirty to forty percent of cases have no known risk factors.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) becomes chronic in 85% of cases. There is NO vaccine.
More than 3.5 million Americans are infected with HCV and there are 150,000 new infections each year.
Currently HCV accounts for almost half of the ~4,000 liver transplantations done each year.