VOLUME 7 • ISSUE 11 • NOVEMBER 2013
A SLICE OF ORANGE Refreshing Your Health
DON’T BE YELLOW, PART 1 • Turning yellow • Happy Hepatitis Day! • The hepatitis alphabet
Don’t be yellow, part 1 IN THE FIRST PART OF THIS TWO-PART SERIES, LEARN MORE ABOUT THE YELLOW SCOURGE THAT AFFECTS UP TO ONE IN 6 FILIPINOS—HEPATITIS B. In the Philippines, when someone literally turns yellow, he also turns into the figurative
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village leper. May hepa ‘yan. Kadiri. Nakakahawa. This is ironic, considering that hepatitis B is one of the most prevalent infections in the Philippines. An estimated 7.3 million Filipinos have hepatitis B. That is about one in every 6 adult Filipinos. It is most prevalent in the age group of 20-49 years, which comprise our nation’s workforce.
A SLICE OF ORANGE
W
VOLUME 7 • ISSUE 11 • NOVEMBER 2013
hile it is true that hepatitis B
or needle sharing during intravenous drug
is contagious, people with
use. The virus is 50 to 100 times more
hepatitis B are not kadiri.
infectious than HIV, so even microscopic
In this first part of this two-part series on
specks of contaminated blood in razors,
hepatitis B, we will learn more about this
toothbrushes, tattoo needles, and piercings
infection, the people who have them, and
can get you infected.” Lastly, an infected
why hepatitis B is something you should be
mother may transmit the virus to her infant
aware of.
during childbirth. Fortunately, it is not trans-
Happy Hepatitis Day!
While most patients with hepatitis B
mitted through breastfeeding.
Republic Act 10526 (Liver Cancer and Viral Hepatitis Awareness and
may feel nothing or get well quickly, up to a tenth of them can develop chronic (per-
Turning yellow
Prevention Month Act) designated Jan-
sistent) disease. These people can later
Within 2 to 6 weeks after the hepatitis
uary of every year as the “Liver Can-
develop liver failure, cirrhosis (fibrosis and
B virus enters your bloodstream and infects
cer and Viral Hepatitis Awareness and
hardening of the liver) and liver cancer.
your liver, you can experience loss of ap-
Prevention Month”. During this month,
Furthermore, they can transmit the virus to
petite, nausea, vomiting, body aches, mild
the Department of Health, together
others.
fever, and dark urine. Later on, you develop
with private companies, health profes-
jaundice: your skin and the white part of
sionals, and patient groups such as the
your eyes turn yellowish. Your skin will also
Yellow Warriors Society of the Philip-
start to itch. Note though that some people
pines, conduct events to educate the
may become infected and yet feel abso-
public about viral hepatitis and liver
lutely no symptoms—still the virus is in their
cancer.
bloodstream and liver.
In addition, the world celebrates
In 9 out of 10, the disease lasts for a
World Hepatitis Day every July 28.
few weeks, and then gradually goes away.
They are able to clear the virus. However, 1
these celebrations in your company?
An infected mother may transmit the virus to her infant during childbirth.
Why not have your own versions of
in 10 can develop chronic disease, and the Contrary to what most people believe, hepatitis B is not transmitted through casual contact. It is not transmitted by touching a person with hepatitis B, or his belongings; not even his utensils. It is not even transmitted through a sneeze, a cough, or a kiss. So it it’s not that easy to transmit, then why is it so common? Well, for one thing, hepatitis B can be transmitted sexually, says Dr. Irces G. Bautista, a diplomate of the Philippine College of Occupational Medicine, and the occupational health physician of ActiveLink. She adds, “It can also be transmitted through contaminated blood. These include transfusion of unscreened blood; sharing of blood-contaminated personal items such as razors or toothbrushes; unsanitary tattooing and body piercing;
virus persists in the blood and liver. Many
Since most adults clear the infection spon-
people with chronic hepatitis B may still feel
taneously, these people generally don’t
no symptoms, but they can still infect other
need additional medications. What is
people. Others may develop more serious
important during the time they have symp-
disease, such as what was mentioned pre-
toms is to be well nourished, well hydrated,
viously.
and well rested. Alcohol and drugs that
Whether you are symptom-free or not,
may damage the liver should be avoided.
the best way to know if you are infected is through a simple blood test to check for viral antigens (proteins produced by the virus) or antibodies produced by your body to combat the virus.
A SLICE OF ORANGE
VOLUME 7 • ISSUE 11 • NOVEMBER 2013
The hepatitis alphabet Know the different kinds of viral hepatitis, and the difference between them.
Transmission
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis D
Hepatitis E
Contaminated food and water
Contaminated blood
Contaminated blood
Contaminated blood
Contaminated food and water
Mother to child during childbirth
Mother to child during childbirth
Mother to child during childbirth
Incubation period (time from infection to first sign or symptom)
15–45 days
45–160 days
15–150 days
30–60 days
15–60 days
Severity
Mild
Occasionally severe
Occasionally severe
Exacerbates
Mild; severe if pregnant
Course of disease
Usually resolves quickly
5–10% of patients 70% develop 5–10% develop develop long-term long-term disease long-term disease disease
Usually resolves quickly
Vaccine-preventable
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
These include paracetamol and some
may be given to reduce the replication of
getting hepatitis B in the first place.
antibiotics.
the virus in the body, and minimize liver
For those with severe disease or weak
damage. Sadly, none of these treatments
B, you will learn more about how to prevent
immunity, or those whose disease persist
can completely eradicate the virus from the
getting hepatitis B, and what you should
for weeks, additional antiviral treatment
body. Hence, your best bet is still to prevent
know about hepatitis B in the workplace.
In the next part of our series on hepatitis
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Looking to enhance your corporate healthcare benefits? E-mail us at benefits@activelinkbenefits.com. The information in this newsletter is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Consult a doctor for all matters relating to your health, particularly for symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. © 2013 ActiveLink
Benefits Made Better
ActiveLink 7/F Electra House Building 115-117 Esteban St., Legaspi Village, Makati City www.activelinkbenefits.com
A Slice of Orange
is a newsletter designed to help clarify basic health information and offer juicy tips on uplifting your health.
Editorial team Alvin Delfin Christine Llenes-Delfin Ivan Olegario, MD