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.

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3. Anemia in Kidney Failure and Dialysis Patients

The current news about Swine Flu Virus has been the subject of discussion on our dialysis clinic recently. Concern and unrest seems to be the general consensus, and for good reason, I might say. It’s because we dialysis patients are immunocompromised, meaning our immune system is down and it would be quite difficult for us to fight diseases compared to a normal individual. Coping with the rigors of treatment is hard enough already, and any viral outbreak like this would simply spell disaster for us.

Our weak immune system is the reason behind our continuous vigilance to health issues around us. It’s hard enough to cope with the rigors of dialysis already and an added ailment would seem too much to bear anymore. That’s why the news of Swine Flu outbreak, and any viral outbreak for that matter, would immediately warrant concern and unrest among us dialysis patients. And even though there’s still no reported case of swine flu outbreak here in the Philippines, it still wouldn’t hurt to be prepared.

Here are some ways that I employ myself to minimize contamination from airborne diseases:

• Stay away from crowded places like malls, parks, market places, and the like, especially during rainy season where cold and flu are rampant.
• If there’s nothing important for you to do outside, just try to remain at home.
• Stay away or avoid direct contact with a family member or relative that has a cold, fever, or flu.
• Don’t forget to take the medicines prescribed by your doctor, especially those that helps boost the immune system.
• Be sensible with your food choices. Eating right helps your body build resistance from diseases.
• Wash your hands and maintain personal hygiene at all times.
• If you still work and travel a lot, it is advisable to wear a face mask for protection.

The things I’ve mentioned above are some of the ways that could help you get out of harm’s way if you’re a dialysis patient. Even though it might not be completely foolproof, there’s still no harm on trying to be safe, especially if you’re as susceptible as us.

An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of care… and isn’t it proves right on the mark?

Stay safe and stay healthy!

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2. Dialysis Update – Taking Steps on A(H1N1) Prevention
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