May is Hepatitis Awareness Month

The Hepatitis Foundation International designates May as Hepatitis Awareness Month.

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver and is a contagious disease resulting from infection of any of the five known hepatitis viruses.  It is one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease such as cirrhosis, liver cancer, or liver failure.  This condition is characterized by nausea, abdominal pain, jaundice, vomiting and loss of appetite, fever, and fatigue.  There are five known types of hepatitis virus, but only three of these are more commonly identified in reported cases in the United States, namely:  Hepatitis A (HAV), Hepatitis B (HBV), and Hepatitis C (HCV).

HAV is the least dangerous of these diseases and is spread through ingestion of fecal matter from contact with infected objects, food and drinks such as fruits, vegetables, shellfish, ice, and water.  This condition does not become chronic and people sick with HAV usually recover with no lasting liver damage. 

HBV and HCV are transmitted when blood or body fluids of an infected person are absorbed through the mucosal tissues of someone who is not infected.  Thus, sharing of infected needles, syringes, or other sharp instruments are some of the ways by which these viruses are spread.  Sexual contact with infected partners, and birth to an infected mother are transmission routes more common to HBV, but less seldom associated with HCV.  Unlike HAV, both HBV and HCV could progress into a chronic illness, requiring treatment and hospitalization.  Even after the patient recovers, periodic check-ups are necessary in order to monitor the development and condition of the liver.

An estimated 3,000 persons in the United States die from HBV-related illness per year; and 12,000 persons die from HCV-related illness per year.

HBV and HCV patients may need to stop work in order to undergo treatment for their disease.  During this time, they may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in order to cover daily living expenses involved in the treatment and possible hospitalization.  Since the application process can take many months and is sometimes confusing, some people do not file timely, or if they do file they become frustrated and give up.  In these cases, The Advocator Group can help.  From facilitating the processing of the claim, assisting with the paperwork, obtaining medical information when it is needed, making sure that deadlines are met, and advising on the Medicare enrolment process, The Advocator Group is there when life changes.  Being represented by The Advocator Group reduces the stress associated with being ill and helps to get the financial help needed.  For more information on how The Advocator Group can help with the SSDI process, call their toll free number at:  (877) 261-1947.