Within the framework of the observance of World Hepatitis Day on Friday 28 July, the city of Rosario recalled that all health centers and hospitals in the city offer the vaccine against this disease. In addition, consultation is also available when you have symptoms.
Next Friday, August 4th, at San Martín Square, from 10am to 4pm, there will be a day of testing for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV and Syphilis, as well as Hepatitis B Vaccination and Mandatory Calendar other vaccines. be utilized.. It needs to be emphasized that early diagnosis and vaccination are essential to prevent the disease.
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, most often caused by a virus. The most common are the hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C viruses. Viral hepatitis is often overlooked and can slowly develop into serious liver disease over the years.
“Vaccination is a preventive measure against hepatitis A and B and is available in all health centers and hospitals. In the face of certain symptoms, early consultation is essential to detect the disease. These consultations are also available in all municipal effectors ”, stresses Silvina García, Deputy Director of the Health Center.
Every year on July 28, World Hepatitis Day commemorates the birth of Baruch Samuel Blumberg, the Nobel Prize winner in medicine who discovered the hepatitis B virus and developed the first A vaccine against the disease.
Most of the time, hepatitis is asymptomatic and the disease is not easy to detect, so it can only be diagnosed with blood tests. However, infected individuals may experience symptoms such as fatigue, fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, light-colored stool, and yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes.
It is mainly transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids infected with the hepatitis B virus, such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and a small amount of saliva. Pregnant women with hepatitis B can spread the virus during pregnancy.
Since 2005, Argentina has included 12-month-old hepatitis A vaccination in the compulsory vaccination program, which has had a great impact on the disappearance of the annual epidemic and serious complications such as fulminant hepatitis and liver transplantation.
Argentina started universal vaccination against hepatitis B in 2012. The vaccine is 90% to 95% effective in preventing acute and chronic HBV infection in children and adults.
Both hepatitis A and B are preventable with vaccines and are included in national vaccination calendars. Free and universal since 2012, in 3 doses: one application, then one month, and finish after 6 months. Another method of prevention is to use protection (condoms, latex pads) during all sexual relations, avoid sharing needles, syringes or sharp elements with other people, and use disposable or sterile materials when tattooing or piercings.
Also, while there is no vaccine against hepatitis C, hepatitis C is preventable and has specific treatments, which is why early detection is important.
When to Test for Hepatitis B and C
– After piercing or tattooing without the use of disposable materials
– Received blood transfusion before 1992
– If the person is not vaccinated and does not use a protective element during sexual intercourse