HEALTH.....HEPATITIS B

* SYMPTOMS... Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) Feeling tired Stomach ache Nausea Diarrhea No appetite Fever Headaches * TREATMENTS... Bed rest, abstaining from alcohol, and taking medication to help relieve symptoms. Most people who have hepatitis A and E get well on their own after a few weeks. Hepatitis B is treated with drugs, such as lamivudine and adefovir dipivoxil. Hepatitis C is treated with a combination of peginterferon and ribovarin. Liver transplant of hepatitis B or C, or D-caused liver failure. * PREVENTION. Hepatitis B Safe and effective vaccines provide protection against hepatitis B for 15 years and possibly much longer. Currently, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all newborns and individuals up to 18 years of age and adult participating at risk of infection be vaccinated. Three injections over a six to 12 month period are required to provide full protection. In General: Wash your hands after going to the bathroom and before fixing food or eating. Use latex condoms, which may lower the risk of transmission. Avoid tap water when traveling to certain countries or regions. Ask your doctor about risks before you travel or call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Don't share drug needles. Don't share personal items—such as toothbrushes, razors and nail clippers—with an infected person.