DEAR ABBY: Millions of Americans are infected by an insidious virus: hepatitis C. More than 100 new cases occur each day. Most people have no signs or symptoms when this virus attacks the liver -- their internal power plant -- and it can be seriously damaged without any warning.
It is critical that anyone who has experimented with injecting drugs (even just once), snorted cocaine, had a tattoo or body piercing, or shared a razor or toothbrush at any time, to ask their doctors for the simple blood test that detects hepatitis C. The test is not routinely done during a physical exam.
Consuming alcohol is a major problem for anyone who is hepatitis C-infected. Alcohol speeds the damage to the liver. This is why it is vital that hepatitis C be identified -- so further damage to the liver can be avoided and treatment options can be discussed.
This silent disease can be stopped. The first step is to find out if you are infected and to avoid infecting others. Hepatitis C is spread through blood-to-blood contact, and while not easily spread through sex, it is possible.
We will send free information about hepatitis C to your readers if they send a self-addressed, stamped, business-size envelope to the Hepatitis Foundation International, P.O. Box 4600, Silver Spring, MD 20904. The Web site is: www.HepatitisFoundation.org.
Abby, thank you for helping your readers learn the facts and how to take control of their health. With your assistance, many lives can be saved. -- THELMA KING THIEL, CEO, HEPATITIS FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL
DEAR THELMA: According to the information I have read, 4,000 deaths are attributed to hepatitis C each year. The highest incidence of this disease is in individuals between the ages of 30 and 49. However, an estimated 240,000 children in the United States have been exposed or are already infected.
Education and early treatment can reduce the number of fatalities. A word to the wise ...