Australian policy makers must act to reduce the spread of blood-borne viruses (BBVs) in prisons or we won’t be able to achieve critical public health goals like eliminating hepatitis C. This was the call in a consensus statement released by the Harm Reduction in Prisons Working Group.
Tag: hepatitis
Liver Self-Repair
Prof. Satdarshan Singh Monga discusses his team’s investigation into liver regeneration as an alternative to waiting for a transplant
The liver is known for its ability to regenerate (see last issue’s cover story for more information). It can completely regrow itself even after two-thirds of its mass has been surgically removed. But damage from medications, alcohol abuse or obesity can eventually cause the liver to fail. Currently, the only effective treatment for end-stage liver disease is transplantation.
Hepatitis and Children: Part 1 – The Mystery
An unusual, and probably new, form of hepatitis has appeared in a number of countries this year, first being noticed in the UK, then spreading to Spain and the Netherlands and on to at least 35 other states and territories including the USA. The first group of active cases were found in March with the latest case numbers estimated at over 1000 and 22 deaths. Unusually, and alarmingly, all of the known cases have been in children. A number have required transfer to specialist children’s liver units, with a number needing lifesaving liver transplants.
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Talk to a Nurse
South Australia’s Viral Hepatitis Nurses are clinical practice consultants who work with patients in the community, general practice or hospital setting. They provide a link between public hospital specialist services and general practice, and give specialised support to general practitioners (GPs) to assist in the management of patients with hepatitis B or hepatitis C.
Having a Hard Time? – Try a little kindness
Living with viral hepatitis can be really tough and for some, it might seem even tougher when the holiday season rolls around. Some of the negative aspects or experiences that people have shared with us over the years include uncertainty over their health outcomes, fatigue, dealing with disclosure.
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My Health Record – Only days left to decide
Australians have but a few days left to choose for themselves whether or not they want to have an electronic health record created for them. The opt-out deadline approaches amidst calls for a further extension by the Senate Inquiry report, the Australian Privacy Foundation, opposition parties, clinicians and lawyers.
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