On Oct. 13, KHEIR hosted an educational session focused on Hepatitis B led by Dr. Tram T. Tran from the Cedars-Sinai Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation.

Hepatitis B, a virus that attacks the liver and may cause cirrhosis and cancer, is the most common serious liver infection in the world. Approximately 1 million chronic Hepatitis B carriers in the world die each year from liver cancer or cirrhosis.

The disease is often referred to as a “silent killer” because, while some may experience fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea and stomach pains, 70 percent of people that become infected show no symptoms. Especially prevalent in the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, half of the mortalities caused by this disease are people of Asian descent. Korean Americans are the second most likely Asian subpopulation to become infected with Hepatitis B, after Vietnamese Americans. There is not a known genetic or physiological reason for the high rate of infection in Korean Americans.

Hepatitis B is transmitted through direct blood-to-blood contact, unprotected sex and use of unsterile needles, and can be passed from an infected woman to her newborn during the delivery process, although this is unlikely. About one-third of Hepatitis B victims do not know how they were infected.

The Hepatitis B vaccine takes just a few seconds to administer.

The good news is that a simple blood test can tell you if you have been infected. There is also a safe and effective vaccine to protect you and your loved ones against Hepatitis B. KHEIR provides immunizations for a $35 processing fee per shot, although this does not include the initial screening cost. KHEIR may be able to offer free screenings for those that qualify. KHEIR also helps low-income patients qualify for government assistance programs and works with patients diagnosed with the disease to qualify them for treatment assistance programs. All sexual partners, family and close household members of a chronically infected person should be screened and vaccinated. 

Several treatment options are available to those that are diagnosed with Hepatitis B. Medication can either be taken orally for one year or through shots for four months. If Hepatitis B is left untreated, it could cause liver failure or cancer. The liver is a vital organ, responsible for many essential bodily functions. In the event of cancer or malfunction, a liver transplant would be required.

It is important to remember that Hepatitis B is not casually transmitted. It is spread through blood and bodily fluids and cannot be transmitted by coughing, sneezing, hugging or sharing food.

Getting immunized for Hepatitis B is the easiest and most effective way of protecting yourself and your loved ones! To make an appointment for screening and inoculation, call the KHEIR clinic at (213) 637-1070. KHEIR offers primary and preventive care for all age groups.

 

Get Your

Flu Shots Now!

December, January and February are typically the worst months for the flu, but a flu shot can keep you from having to suffer through the fever, body aches and other symptoms. Children under 5 years old and adults over 65 years old should be especially protected from the flu. KHEIR is now offering flu shots for $15 each, with no appointments necessary.