| Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes an infection of the
liver, potentially leading to liver disease, liver cancer and possibly death.
Symptoms of HBV infection range from no symptoms to flu-like symptoms, jaundice and
serious illness. If symptoms do occur, they may not be evident until 2 to 6 months
after the person is infected. Infected people can be infectious to others several
weeks before onset of symptoms. Approximately one half of all people who become infected do not have any symptoms of infection. Up to 10% of people infected become "carriers" of HBV. They may be infectious to others for the rest of their lives and they may suffer from infection at a later time. Vaccinations reduce the risk of acquiring HBV. The 3 shot vaccination series is highly effective and save. Estimated risk of HBV infection following a needlestick accident with contaminated blood is about 30%. The risk of infection following a needlestick exposure to blood from and HIV+ patient is about 0.3%. Human Immunodifeciency Virus (HIV) In 1981 the first Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) cases were recognized. AIDS is caused by HIV, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. By killing or impairing the cells of the immune system, HIV progressively destroys the body's ability to fight infections. Two to four weeks after exposure to the virus, up to 70% of HIV-infected people suffer flu-like symptoms. which may include fever, headache, malaise and enlarged lymph nodes. These signs and symptoms usually disappear within a week to a month. More persistent or severe signs and symptoms may not surface for a decade or more after HIV first enters the body. During the asymptomatic period, however, HIV is actively infecting and killing cells of the immune system, and the virus is transmissible to others. The term AIDS applies to the most advanced stages of HIV infection. Opportunistic infections common in people with AIDS can cause coughing, shortness of breath, seizures, dementia, severe and persistent diarrhea, vision loss, severe headaches, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting, lack of coordination, coma, abdominal cramps, and difficult or painful swallowing. People with AIDS are particularly prone to developing various cancers such as Karposi's sarcoma or lymphomas. |