Treatment for hepatitis B and hepatitis C If you have been diagnosed with hepatitis B or hepatitis C these are some of the things you should know. For Hepatitis B: • Unfortunately, at this time there is no Cure for Hepatitis B but there is effective treatment • Not everyone with the hepatitis B infection needs treatment but everyone needs regular check-ups by a doctor. • Treatment is prescribed either by a Liver or Infectious Disease Specialist or a GP who has undertaken specialised training to prescribe the medications. For a list of accredited GPs go to https://www.ashm.org.au/ PrescriberListing/. • If you are prescribed medications for hepatitis B you will need to take it for the rest of your life. • Medication for hepatitis B reduces the amount of virus in your blood which helps reduce the risk of developing liver damage and liver cancer.
• The two main treatments currently available in Australia are Entecavir and Tenofovir. Your doctor will discuss with you which is most appropriate for you based on your full health assessment. • Any person who usually takes the Brand name medication called “Baraclude (entecavir)”
should know that this Brand is no longer available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. • You will be given generic brand medications with the same effectiveness. For Hepatitis C: • There is a cure for hepatitis C for any person diagnosed with hepatitis C in
Australia. • The medications are highly subsidised by the Australian Government for Medicare Card holders. • For non-Medicare Card holders treatment can be accessed online with a prescription from www. fixhepc.com.au. • All GPs can prescribe hepatitis C medication. • The two main medications currently available are Epclusa (Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir) and Maviret (Glecaprevir/ Pibrentasvir). • These medications are highly effective and treatment is for either 12 or 8 weeks. The medication prescribed will depend on your individual health assessment by your doctor. • Some people may need to be referred to a Liver or Infectious Diseases Specialist – your GP will let you know if this is required. • You will need a blood test 3 months after completing the treatment so you can find
out if you are cured. If you have any questions or concerns about the medications that you are taking you should talk to your doctor. If you have never been or don’t know if you have ever been tested for hepatitis B or hepatitis C you should ask your doctor for a specific hepatitis B or hepatitis C blood test to check. There are many people living in Australia who are undiagnosed and could be at risk of liver damage, liver cancer and even death that could be prevented with appropriate management
and treatment. ECCQ’s Hepatitis, HIV/ AIDS and Sexual Health Program provides free Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and STIs information, resources and support in different languages. Please contact us at: Website: eccq.com.au/bbv Phone: 07 3844 9166 Email: health@eccq.com.au If you live in Cairns, you can also contact: HIV, Viral Hepatitis, Sexual Health Coordinator Cairns Sexual Health Service 381 Sheridan St, Cairns North, QLD, 4870 Ph: 4226 4760
Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and Sexual Health Program Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ)
Too Cool for Sunburns? vinegar has been known to ease the pain of a sunburn when applied to the skin. Apply to the skin as a compress, using a small towel soaked in a mixture of water and vinegar. I would NOT recommend using apple cider vinegar, instead of white vinegar.
Nimisha Modi
Hetvi Hair & Beauty 0412350013
Hey Girls, we only worry about sunburns when it is warm and sunny; however, it is possible to get badly burned on overcast days that are cool. In fact, it's more likely, because you won't tend to feel your skin burning as quickly as you do when it's hot and sunny. Sunburn is a serious matter. Research has shown that even one serious sunburn can increase the risk of skin cancer. Sunburn often leads to dehydration. Healthy skin has a high water content and this is depleted rapidly with sunburn. Prevention is, of course, the best remedy, but sometimes despite all of our preparations – sunburns happen. When they do, it is very important to treat them right away by giving your body what it needs to heal and repair the damage. Prompt and thorough treatment can reduce the risks of long-term damage. What follows are the most effective home remedies to treat the burn, heal the skin, and reverse severe skin damage. 1. Aloe Vera Gel or Cream. One of the best and quickest remedies for mild sunburn, this
9. Eat More Sunflower Seeds. Studies show that increased intake of Vitamin E food scan help decrease the discomfort of a sunburn. Sunflower seeds, as well as many other seeds, are full of Vitamin E. Other foods that are high in Vitamin E include wheat germ, soybean oil and most raw nuts. You can also rub vitamin E on the burn to cool the area.
African plant can soothe and calm burns. Aloe Vera also helps to heal wounds and preventing scarring. Rub the natural form of the gel (available in many health food stores, or even better, buy an aloe plant for your home) into the location of the burn and leave on the skin. Reapply as necessary. On a side note, Aloe Vera juice also has many health benefits when taken internally. 2. Coconut Oil A cooling oil that soothes burns, rub coconut oil onto the affected location. 3. Milk. Many people are unaware of the cooling properties of milk. If Aloe Vera gel is
48 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2021
works great for this. 6. Increase Water Intake. Sunburn’s dehydrates the insides of the body, as our natural healing mechanisms attempt to bring more moisture to the burned area. Stay hydrated to avoid the headaches and fatigue that may accompany sunburn.
unavailable, dip a gauze pad into milk and apply it directly to the sunburn.
further strips the already damaged oils from the skin.
4. Hydrotherapy. Taking a short, lukewarm bath, or using cool towel compresses aids in keeping the burn moist and cool. Do NOT use hot water, as this
5. Ozontated Olive Oil. Gently rub the ozonated olive oil paste on the sunburned area and let sit. This will help the area heal without blistering and/or peeling. O2-Zap
7. Sandalwood and Turmeric Paste. An ancient Ayurvedic remedy, these herbs have a cooling affect on the skin. Mix equal amounts of these two herbs with a little cool water. Apply to sunburned area and leave for 15-20 minutes. 8.
Vinegar.
White
10. Use Cooling Essential Oils. You can quickly relieve a burn by soaking a wet towel in water containing several drops of cooling essential oils. Oils that reduce burns include lavender, sandalwood, chamomile, eucalyptus, rose hips, and buck thorn essential oils. They can also be directly added to a warm bath. 11. Fresh Air. Bask in the moonlight! Burns heal quicker in the fresh air, than wrapped in bandages, which can cause the burn to hold more heat in. So, put on some shades, put on a hat and stay out of the sun. We'll see you next time with some more wisdom.
