Hepatitis B is a global problem. One out of 10 Asian Americans has chronic heptatits B. Worldwide 374-400 million people have it and every 30 seconds, one person dies from hepatitis B complications. Without proper care, one in four will die prematurely.
In the below three videos, Dr. Lisa Tang discusses the SF Hep B Free Campaign and hepatitis B; the second video is in Cantonese.
Watch the videos below or Read More.
Dr. Tang discusses the SF Hep B Free Campaign:
Dr. Tang discusses the SF Hep B Free Campaign in Cantonese:
Dr. Tang discusses hepatitis B:
The goals fo the SF Hep B Free Campaign are to:
- Increase awareness about the importance of testing and vaccinating API (Asian and Pacific Islander) for hepatitis B
- Promote routine HBV testing and vaccinations
- Ensure access to treatment for the chronically infected
Strategies include public awareness, screening, vaccination, and follow-up or treatment.
What is hepatitis B and why does it matter?
Hepatitis B is viral infection of the liver, an extremely important organ that breaks down and stores fats and sugars, and cleans the body. Hepatitis B can lead to serious liver illnesses such as cirrhosis of the liver (scarring), liver cancer, and liver failure. It is also contagious and is 100 times more infectious than HIV.
Many people who have hepatitis B are not aware that they are infected because it often has no symptoms. In fact, 70% of people with chronic hepatitis B have no symptoms; such people don’t experience symptoms until it is too late. But a simple blood test can determine if you have it.
San Francisco Hep B Free is a citywide campaign to turn San Francisco into the first hepatitis B free city in the nation. This unprecedented campaign will provide free and low-cost hepatitis B testing and vaccinations to Asian and Pacific Islander (API) adults at locations throughout San Francisco. SavandMD supports SF Hep B Free.
Hepatitis B is spread at birth from an infected mother to her child or by blood when sharing personal items such as razors, nail clippers or toothbrushes, or sharing needles, syringes or other medical devices.
It is NOT spread by coughing or sneezing, casual bodily contact such as kissing, shaking hands or hugging, or sharing food and water.
Once diagnosed, what next?
The answer to this question will depend on your test results. But the key is that hepatitis B is a disease that can be monitored and managed. If you have been diagnosed with chronic hepatits B, you should get regular check-ups with your doctor, eat a healthy diet, avoid alcohol, tell your doctor which over-the-counter medications or herbal supplements you take, and protect others from blood contact with you.
You should also tell your family to get tested or vaccinated. Your doctor can usually take care of giving the vaccination.
Interested in more on Hepatitis B and the SF Hep B Free Campaign?
Browse: SF Hep B Free ~ Patient Conversations | Dr. Savant on Physician Outreach | Alternative Medicine and Hepatitis B.
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