Health Corner: Preventing hepatitis

A specialist from Lourdes Health System is urging people to get tested for hepatitis, a group of viral infections that attack the liver and can lead to liver cancer and liver failure.

Chronic hepatitis can be asymptomatic, says Dr. Hisham ElGenaidi, a Lourdes hepatologist. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention recommends testing for everyone born between 1945 and 1965, as well as anyone at risk of the disease.

About three-quarters of those living with hepatitis C are baby boomers. The viral infection is usually spread when infected blood enters the body of an uninfected person. People who received a blood transfusion before July 1992, injected drugs, shared needles or have unprotected sex are at risk.

To prevent infection, people should: get vaccinated for hepatitis A and hepatitis B, practice good hygiene and safe sex, never share needles, razors, toothbrushes or other personal items, and seek medical care if exposed to blood or needle sticks.

Kim Mulford: (856) 486-2448; kmulford@gannettnj.com