HEALTH ISSUE: Hepatitis B: Get to know it and be Tested!

B informed in two minutes or less! 

When I got hooked in running, I became health-conscious. I wanted to be fit and free from illnesses and diseases. I usually seek information on how to live healthy. I don't wanna waste my borrowed life from God. Since every move I make is important, please allow me to share to you, the things that we should know about one of the most common disease, Hepatitis B.

July 28 will be the World Hepatitis Day. In line with this, the Yellow Warriors Society Philippines, Inc. will disseminate information around the Metro through leaflets containing quick facts about Hepatitis B.

Yellow Warriors Society Philippines, Inc is a national organization of Hepatitis B inflicted persons and advocates who believe in the eradication of the disease. It is duly registered under the Securities and Exchange Commission and it represents the Filipino HBV patients in the international scene as a voting member of the World Hepatitis Alliance based in Geneva, Switzerland. It envision a productive and healthy society devoid of discrimination against Hepatitis B carriers.

The World Hepatitis Alliance, on the other hand, is a patient-led international non-government organization with members composed of international organizations of viral hepatitis carrier and advocates. The Alliance is a global voice for the more than 500 million people worldwide living with chronic viral hepatitis. Through better awareness, prevention, care, support and access to treatment, the Alliance’s ultimate goal is to work with governments to eradicate these diseases from the planet. Find out more at World Hepatitis Alliance website.

WHAT IS HEPATITIS B?

Hepatitis B virions (photo from Wikipedia)

Hepatitis B is the inflammation of the liver caused by the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), which attacks liver cells and can lead to liver failure, cirrhosis (scarring) or cancer of the liver. It is the most common liver infection.

HOW SERIOUS IS HEPATITIS B?

The hepatitis B virus is highly infectious and is about 50 to 100 times more infectious than HIV. It is estimated that 1 out of 12 persons are infected worldwide, and 1 out of 10 in the Philippines.

HOW COULD I GET THE VIRUS?
Key fact: blood to blood contact!

• Mother to child (during pregnancy and childbirth)
• Sexual contact
• Exposure to contaminated blood or body fluids (semen, vaginal secretions, synovial fluids, & etc)
• Blood transfusion
• Organ and tissue transplants
• Cuts or grazes on the skin and mucosa
• Sharing personal items (e.g toothbrushes, razors, etc)
• Needle sticks and sharp injuries
• Acupuncture, tattooing, piercing, manicure
• Inadequately sterilized dental and surgical instruments

YOU CANNOT GET HEPATITIS B VIRUS (HBV) BY:

• Coughing, Sneezing
• Sharing cutlery, utensils, plates, glasses
• Sharing lavatory seats
• Handshaking, hugging, kissing
• Swimming pools
• Public dining places, crowded places
• Drinking fountains

WHAT ARE THE  SYMPTOMS?

• Feel tired
• Have a fever
• Not want to eat
• Have stomach pain
• Have diarrhea
• Dark yellow urine
• Light colored stools
• Yellowish eyes and skin

SOME PEOPLE DON'T SHOW ANY SYMPTOMS AT ALL. TO BE SURE, GET TESTED!

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE HEPATITIS B POSITIVE?

• Don’t panic, don't be depressed
• Read about the disease. Be informed!
• Lifestyle Check—Avoid alcoholic beverages and steroid drugs
• Diet Check—Avoid fatty foods or taking in anything that may strain your liver.
• See a qualified medical practitioner (gastroenterologist
• or hepatologist) for explanation and counseling.
• Do not rely on unscientific sources of information

IF TESTED NEGATIVE TO HBV, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

(photo courtesy of iclipart)

Be vaccinated - the hepatitis B vaccine is given in three shots or injections.

• Newborn babies should get the vaccine — first shot within 12 hours from birth, second shot after 1 to 2 months, and the third shot between 6 to 18 months.
• Older children should get the vaccine in three shots over a period of six months.

MANAGING HBV IN THE WORKPLACE

 Currently, many job applicants who are Hepatitis surface antigen (HBsAg) positive are declared “unfit to work” without proper medical evaluation. Because the workplace is an important part of our society in contributing against the spread of the disease, the DOLE released the DOLE Department Advisory No. 05 Series of 2010 stating that it is mandatory for all private workplaces to have a policy on Hepatitis B and to implement a workplace program. Further, it states that HBsAg positive individuals should not be discriminated from pre- topost-employment, consistent with international labor laws.

WHAT ARE THE RIGHTS OF HBV INFLICTED EMPLOYEES?

Based on ILO C111 , an International Agreement on non-discrimination ratified by the Philippines, workers shall not be discriminated, from pre to post employment, including hiring, promotion or assignment, because of their Hepatitis B status.

Individuals found to be Hepatitis B positive shall not be declared “unfit to work” without appropriate medical
evaluation and counseling.

Workers shall not be terminated on the basis of the actual, perceived or suspected Hepatitis B status.

Worker management of sick employees shall not differ from that of any other illness such as diabetes and hypertension. Persons with Hepatitis B-related illnesses should be able to work as long as medically fit.

Note: This article has been reviewed and approved by the Hepatology Society of the Philippines. Hepatology Society of the Philippines is the only liver society recognized by the PMA, PCP, PSG and PSDE. HSP provides research, education and advocacy on liver health and liver related diseases

Disclaimer: All the facts stated about HBV were provided by YWSP.