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Posted on 04/02/2002 5:07:53 PM PST by BLOODHOUND (askel5)
Known as the silent epidemic,
hepatitis C is now getting more publicity
as it hits the Hollywood A list,
says Peta Lee
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If Pamela Anderson does not look her radiant self of late, then it is hardly surprising. According to reports, the 34-year-old actress is suffering from the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which can lead to a potentially fatal liver disease, and was diagnosed after complaining of typical symptoms, such as nausea, fatigue and diarrhoea. Blaming her ex-husband, Tommy Lee Jones, for passing on the virus through a tattoo needle they shared several years ago, she is currently seeking treatment for the condition that to date has infected 170m people worldwide and has been labelled a silent epidemic by medics. Indeed, Anderson’s case sees a rare appearance in the news for a virus that gets little attention compared to HIV, and which is as hard to diagnose as it is to determine the exact cause of infection. Unlike hepatitis A, which is spread through contaminated water and food, making it common among travellers, HCV is a blood-borne virus, transmitted through bodily fluids, primarily by direct contact with infected human blood. Contrary to popular belief, and Anderson’s allegation, it is not just those who use the same needle — whether for a tattoo or drugs — who are at risk. HCV is also a sexually transmitted disease, as likely to be spread by sharing a night of unprotected passion as a needle. What’s more, of the 35,000 people diagnosed with HCV in the UK, 5,000 are haemophiliacs who contracted HCV from contaminated blood concentrates. While it’s true that the growing use of street drugs injected by “dirty” needles is contributing to the rise in the number of cases, it could well be that high-flyers who share equipment when taking cocaine are as much at risk. According to the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID), the use of any personal-care items that may contain traces of blood, such as toothbrushes, razors and scissors, is potentially as harmful. In about one-third of cases, the cause of the virus is completely unknown. “HCV is a huge and very serious problem that can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer and even death,” says Nigel Hughes, the chief executive of the British Liver Trust. “Yet there is a real lack of awareness about the virus in this country and a lack of will to do anything about improving the situation surrounding it.” All of this is compounded by the fact that at least 80% of people with the virus experience no symptoms, so they might not realise they are suffering until liver damage has occured.“Classically, when someone develops it, they may get flu-like symptoms, jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain and loss of appetite,” says Hughes. “But up to one-fifth of people don’t display these signs, and even if they do, it is difficult to pinpoint without a battery of blood tests.” Of the rest, about 20% inexplicably clear the virus from their system in 6-12 months. In others, the disease can remain dormant for 20-30 years before it becomes evident, and, for a significant proportion, a liver transplant may be the only treatment. If detected early enough, there are strains of the virus that can be treated. A recent breakthrough combination of the drugs Interferon and Ribavirin can help stop the virus in its tracks in up to 50% of treatable cases. But taking the medication causes its own problems: patients can suffer disabilitating side effects, such as nausea and chronic fatigue-type symptoms during the 6- to 12-month treatment. Anyone who suspects they might be at risk from HCV should initially see their GP. They may then be referred to a specialist who will check for specific antibodies in their blood. Further blood tests will reveal the precise genetic basis of the virus (there are several strains), and liver-function tests, or in some cases a liver biopsy, will determine whether any tissue damage is already present. Of every 100 people with HCV, the NCID estimates that 70 will develop chronic liver disease. Hughes says that since Pamela Anderson is reported to be undergoing treatment for the virus, it is unlikely that it will cause potentially life-threatening problems. “Her case is quite unusual, as it has been diagnosed quickly,” he says. “She obviously decided not to wait to see how things progress and to rid herself of it as soon as she can.” Proving that a tattoo needle, or even her former husband, was the cause, however, could be more difficult.
The National Hepatitis C Resource Centre helpline: 020 7735 7705. |
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Sure it was a tattoo needle.
That would be Tommy Lee, not Tommy Lee Jones.
Lol... I guess no one told her about the video. Heck, Seinfeld's old girlfriend got the clap from a tractor seat.
Hepatitis C is not as well understood as some doctors would have you believe. Here's a second opinion:
I just hope God doesn't strike me dead for saying this, but maybe now the Tainted Blood Trail will get some notice.
I wish ...
Trust all is well, Budge.
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