This article is sponsored by one of the fastest-growing telehealth companies in America, Antidote Health.
According to the United Nations, over 250 million people live with chronic hepatitis B infection around the world. Furthermore, 90% of all children born with hepatitis B (or liver inflammation) are believed to become chronic carriers of the disease.
Although the United Nations and World Health Organization both lauded a decades-low spread of hepatitis B back in 2020, the spread of child hepatitis, unfortunately, appears to be fluctuating on the rise again. Recently, Reuters reported that over 145 confirmed child hepatitis cases broke out across the globe.
While that may not seem like many in the grand scheme of things, this surge is uncharacteristic, unexplained, and concerning to many health experts. The outbreak was first reported in Britain, and the aforementioned Reuters article references findings from the UK Health Security Agency.
According to the UKHSA, the disease has caused over 10 children to receive liver transplants in the UK. Worldwide, the outbreak was identified in around 12 countries so far, and the W.H.O. has noted over 17 global child liver transplant cases thus far, with one patient sadly losing their life to the illness.
If you’re a parent, what should you know about this condition, it's mysterious outbreak, and how you can keep your children protected? This is what parents should know concerning the rising prevalence of child hepatitis cases, and how they can protect their little ones.
Hepatitis Child Symptoms
Hepatitis is a disease that triggers inflammation of the liver. It can affect people of all ages, and this illness is classified into three different categories: Hepatitis A, B, and C. Most Hepatitis A cases tend to trend toward the less severe side and may resolve themselves on their own or with minimal medical intervention, usually in the form of antiviral medications.
However, Hepatitis B and C cases tend to be more severe and may require further surgical intervention. Otherwise, the problem can run the risk of developing into additional problems, including:
- Liver cancer
- Liver inflammation
- Liver cirrhosis
- Liver failure
Per the CDC, severe hepatitis B and C symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Abdominal Pain
- Fever
- Jaundice
- Joint Pain
- Dark Urine
- Loss Of Appetite
Hepatitis A causes less severe and more transient, “acute” infections, whereas B and C can lead to chronic or lifelong illness issues. We would strongly urge you and your kids to stay up to date on your Hepatitis vaccinations.
Furthermore, if you believe that you or your child has the symptoms of Hepatitis B or C, we would strongly urge you to contact a doctor ASAP. It’s crucial that your children obtain the medicines they need, and one superb resource we’d recommend for that is Sesame Care.
This telehealth provider is well-equipped with online doctor, therapy, and pharmacy services capable of serving almost any prescriptions your child would need. In addition, you can set up essential online doctor appointments with providers who specialize in treating hepatitis, if necessary.
Telehealth Hepatitis Care
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