The Pinoy’s common conception of getting infected with Hepatitis is eating street foods that are unsanitary. On occasions, you would sometimes overhear somebody jokingly pointing out that you’d get the Hepatitis Virus with the food you just bought from the street, free of charge. “Libreng Hepa”, (free hepatitis), some smart ass would say.
As to the validity of this knowledge, I am not completely sure. Maybe if someone who’s been infected with the virus dips in the sauce, let’s say, of the fish ball; eats some of it, dips it again, then followed by you dipping into the fray, maybe there could be a chance for you getting infected. Not to mention the fact that it seems quite disgusting enough and appetizing at the same time.
– image courtesy of www.nmh.org
Although there’s one thing I am certainly aware of being at risk to Hepatitis. Being a dialysis patient, this virus just looms around the corner, waiting for an opportune time to get into your system. Patients that are financially incapable of sustaining EPO injections to treat Kidney Failure-related Anemia, turns to occasional blood transfusions as an alternative method, which in turn, puts them at a higher risk of being infected with the Hepatitis Virus.
“Hepatitis has been a long-standing problem in hemodialysis facilities. Essentially, hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by a virus. Hepatitis viruses are bloodborne pathogens and are major biological hazards for everyone in the dialysis facility. Hepatitis viruses, unlike HIV, can survive for long periods of time outside the human body.”
– source RenalWEB
It’s mandatory for dialysis patients to take the required Hepatitis Vaccine and have their Hepatitis Profile checked from time to time. I’ve been vaccinated last year, taking 2 vials of Engerix B, (Note: I think a single vial is the normal dose given for this vaccine), for 3 consecutive months, then taking the booster dose on the following month. For further details about this, it’s advisable to seek your Nephrologist or medical staff in your dialysis clinic. They’re the ones who could elaborate more on the subject.
I just took my Hepatitis Profile recently. It’s 3 or 4 types of laboratory tests that would ascertain if your body has already developed an antibody or defense against the virus and/or if you’re laready infected with it. Fortunately, my antibody turned up positive reaction and the test for the virus itself turned up negative.
I guess I got away practically unscathed and without having to worry about jaundice or my liver deteriorating for a while.
The battle goes on, though.
Very informative Julius! I do hope that you gain more readers. I will do my best to keep up and tweet your posts every once in a while.
As a general precaution, blood transfusion patients should receive blood that are from a reliable source. Those that have underwent strict screening procedures. Of course, the problem about having to undergo several transfusions is the tubings of the dialysis machine. I do hope that they are regularly replaced for each patient and are cleaned/disinfected/sterilized properly.
Keep up the good work here bro! It would be interesting to meet a concerned blogger such as yourself.
Z
Thanks Doc Z! I really appreciate your visits to my blog. As far as I know, all the blood that arrives on our clinic are from reliable sources. But still, with the continued necessity to transfuse, I guess something could go wrong in due time (i.e. getting infected with Hepatitis).
As for the blood lines, you’ll be happy to hear that they’re always new with every transfusion. The same goes for the dialysis lines. The only thing that’s reused are the Dialyzers, but for only P1850 per dialysis session and being the cheapest here in Metro Manila, I am not complaining.
Thanks again for the visit and the support!
Tremendous post Julius. Such valuable educational information.
Thanks Kelli! It’s nice of you to drop by here and I really appreciate it. I will try my best to come up with other informative and useful articles, to spread and create awareness.
Thanks again!
Nanose bleed ako. It’s been a year since I’m not practising my profession. Hehe!
Nice blog anyway.
Ganon? Sorry to hear that. I’m sure you still excel on what you do kahit na walang practice… Hehehe!
Thanks for dropping by here!
I agree with you too many people have too many misconceptions about how to get infected by certain diseases. We are so misinformed. Some rely more on the hype . Thanks for this post.
Btw, you can blog about my daughter’s school definitely a welcomed one. The more people post about it the better. Thanks in advance!
You’re quite right about that, and if you ask me, there’s too few information campaigns to clear certain fallacies on various issues. I am always striving to provide useful info on things regarding health, and even beyond than aspect. I just hope I could do more for the reading public to make an impression and create a spark of awareness.
Don’t worry, I’ll do what I can to help with your daughter’s issue, even if it’s only through writing.
Hi Julius, I’m glad all is going somewhat well for you at this time. I realize it’s one day at a time and I it is not an easy ordeal. I am interested in the Hep B being passed I do know how it can be passed via sexual contact, but was hoping the “good doctor Z” could give a little educated information as to whether if you have a friend w/ Hep B and cooks for you what should one be careful off? I hope you will feel better and remember that you have many people that are thinking and praying for you. As I think I told you I’ve had a bad winter this year and am finally back on my feet . Keep the faith. JJ
hi julius, thanks for the very informative blog. i want to ask din kung saan hospital nag oofer ng murang dialysis?my father is undergoing dialysis hope you can help .thanks
Hi, just reading your comments/advice/experiences gives me much hope.
i just started dialysis december 21 ( due to PKD r/t problems) and still in
learning mode and acceptance. everyday has been a painful trip to go for
treatment. But i have a dialysis center available for me, all meds needed
are supplied and my MD can be called for any concern. Plus all these dedi-
cated services are all paid for by my insurance. you made me feel twice
blessed.