HAV can live outside the body for months, depending on the environmental conditions. HAV is killed by heating to 185 degrees F. (85 degrees C.) for one minute. However, HAV can still be spread from cooked food if it gets contaminated after cooking. Adequate chlorination of water, as recommended in the US, kills HAV that may get into the water supply.

Hepatitis A virus is spread from person to person by putting something in the mouth that has been contaminated with the stool of a person with hepatitis A. This type of transmission is called "fecal-oral." For this reason, the virus is more easily spread in areas where there are poor sanitary conditions or where good personal hygiene is not observed. Most infections result from contact with a household member or sex partner who has hepatitis A.

Hepatitis C is a virus that causes chronic inflammation of the liver and liver disease. About four to five million Americans have hepatitis C and more than 15,000 new cases develop each year.

Two products are used to prevent hepatitis A virus infection: immune globulin and hepatitis A vaccine. Immune globulin is a preparation of antibodies that can be given before exposure for short-term protection against hepatitis A and for persons who have already been exposed to hepatitis A virus. Immune globulin must be given within 2 weeks after exposure to hepatitis A virus for maximum protection.

Anyone can be infected with the hepatitis C virus. However, people most likely to be infected with the hepatitis C virus include individuals who: (1.) had a blood transfusion and or received an organ transplant such as kidney, lung, or heart, before effective screening began in July 1992; (2.) have been or are on long term kidney dialysis (hemodialysis); (3.) received treatment with a clotting factor concentrate manufactured before 1987; (4.) have ever injected illegal drugs, even once; (5.

In 1987, Michael Houghton and colleagues at Chiron Corporation in California discovered part of the genetic material of HCV using molecular recombinant technology. This discovery allowed the development of tests to detect specific antibodies. The first enzyme immunoassay (EIA) test made available in 1989 employed only a single recombinant protein to detect antibodies and produced a significant proportion of both false positive and false negative results.

NO, PROBABLY NOT. Hepatitis C can be a very serious disease and may lead to liver failure BUT most people with Hep C can lead long and healthy lives. By taking care of yourself and not drinking alcohol you can stay healthy. (C-Level can offer you lots of advice, support and information)

Hepatitis means "inflammation of the liver". There are seven known types of hepatitis, but it is usually caused by one of three viruses; Hepatitis A, B or C. The effects of each virus are different. In some cases viral Hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), which can lead to serious life-threatening diseases including cancer of the liver. People can die from Hepatitis.

The first is a Hep Panel which tests for antibodies to B and C. Antibodies are the proteins your body produces when it encounters a pathogen, or virus. An antigen is a part of the virus. On the hepatitis panel, you may have a positive reactivity against hepatitis B showing antibodies. Only if you also have the presence of antigen as well are you likely to have a chronic, ongoing infection.

No. Not everyone with chronic hepatitis B needs to be on medication. Your doctor can help decide whether drug therapy would help you.

No. Only 10 pct of adults and 50 pct. of children, but 90 pct of all hepatitis B virus HBV infection in babies, develops into chronic hepatitis B.

Recent studies have shown that HCV can survive outside the body and still transmit infection for 16 hours, but not longer than 4 days.

Most viruses, like Sars, are envelope viruses, meaning they have a protective membrane around them. Once soap comes into contact with the envelope, it breaks the membrane and the virus dies. In Hong Kong, the sewerage system is different from other places, as each of the toilet system is not directly connected to a water trap. Therefore, once the water evaporates, smells and droplets can enter the toilet area.

Yes, the PureWorks' One-step Hard Surface Disinfectant inactivates both the "Avian Influenza Virus" and the "Avian Infectious Bronchitis Virus." These claims are proven by extensive testing and are approved claims as allowed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). However, it is important to clarify that even though PureWorks skin care products also contain quaternary ammonium compounds (QUATS) as active ingredients, we do not claim any type of anti-viral activity in these products.

All of the PureWorks products contain the powerful disinfectant active ingredients called quaternary ammonium compounds or "QUATS." QUATS are positively charged molecules with relatively long hydrophobic "tails." These molecules destroy bacteria by destroying their outer membranes and literally dissolving bacteria. At lower concentrations, QUATS interfere with normal membrane function, rapidly killing the bacteria.