The killer disease

[Lamagoodle]

Let us for a few minutes focus on a killer that is murdering Somalis at an alarming rate. This killer kills discretely. Its victim are normally men and women who are middle aged and are contributors to society.

It is probably killing more somalis (at least in the diaspora) than any other disease.

I am talking about the killer virus of Hepatitis which is an inflammation of the liver. According to the World Health organisation, this disease is usually caused by a viral infection and could encompass five genotypes; A, B, C, D and E. At the one end of the spectrum are A and E which almost everyone has been infected with. Bad sanitation /contaminated food are usually the cause and after a few days of vomiting it is gone. At the end of the spectrum are B and D which are the chronic ones. These two (in particular C) could lead liver cirrhosis and cancer.

The causes; B, C and D usually occur as a result of parenteral contact with infected body fluids. Common modes of transmission for these viruses include receipt of contaminated blood or blood products, invasive medical procedures using contaminated equipment and for hepatitis B transmission from mother to baby at birth, from family member to child, and also by sexual contact.


What is alarming is the gestation period; infection may occur with limited or no symptoms, or may include symptoms such as jaundice (Cagaarshow) (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
The patient might not even realize that he is sick until it is too late. When the liver has died and the last hope is liver transplant.

There is some medicine to treat Hepatisis but the best treatment is prevention and here is where we need to spread information;
VACCINATION!!!

Let us help each other by screening ourselves and by informing somalis about this killer.

[accident]

Oddly enough, I have come across alot of people with Hepatitis within the Somali community. I guess they do not trust vaccinations.

[Nabeela]

This is a good awareness, alot of Somalis die of Hepatitis C, which is a liver disease, waxaad maqli so and so wuu dhintay, beerki baa dhamatay. I personally think Cancer is more deadlier though, I know tons of people who died the same month they were diagnosed with the deadly disease. Two healthy guys I knew died of Cancer within weeks after being diagnosed. One minute you are fine, healthy, living your life and the next you are dead or given a week to live. Make sure you get your physical check up every year and to eat healthy, excise and hope for the best. Ilahey ha naga badbaadiyo.

[AbdiWahab252]

Its a bitch of a disease esp. here in Somalia. There are high rates of infection. Don't get married without a comprehensive STI and Hepatitis testing.

[Nabeela]

You should get tested for HIV as well, esp if you sleep around.

[arabmtu]

For those with the serious type, what can they do to prolong their life?

[union]

For those with the serious type, what can they do to prolong their life?

A few sips of camel urine should do the trick.

[Lamagoodle]

Nabeela,
Yes, Cancer is a killer disease and many somalis I know have died too. But, usually there is an underlying disease. Hep C patients for instance develop cancer. The rate of breast cancer/cervical cancer among somali women in Canada is alarming. Liver cancer too is the main cause of deaths among somalis in London and Toronto. I was told this at a conference a few years back.

Arabmtu, it is about screening and detection. If the disease is discovered in time, there is a treatment that could prolong life. There are currently two medicines (both of them which are also used in HIV treatment) which if adminstered correctly kill the virus.

Hep B could be acute or chronic; Acute is ok if it does not kills immediately, while chronic Hep B patients are carriers.

So, friends please spread the word about this killer disease and ask people to screen/vaccinate...

[Nabeela]

Yep, as of late, somalida Cancerka wuu ku baday. It's also genetic, I once had a client who was dying of Cancer, her mother, grandmother, dad, all died of Cancer, and her sister was also diagnosed, it was really sad..

[Lamagoodle]

Yep, as of late, somalida Cancerka wuu ku baday. It's also genetic, I once had a client who was dying of Cancer, her mother, grandmother, dad, all died of Cancer, and her sister was also diagnosed, it was really sad..

True, there is a genetic factor but that affects only afew-

[arabmtu]

So, friends please spread the word about this killer disease and ask people to screen/vaccinate...

What does the test/screening involve? And how long does the results take?

[Lamagoodle]

Arabmtu, check this link for more info
http://www.pcrdiagnostics.eu/files/docu ... itises.pdf

In most countries in the west, you could go to the nearest health care centre/GP/doctor and ask for screening. Vaccinations are provided by hospitals/health care centres/ some travel agents will also help you to get in touch with vaccine providers.
In developing countries, where healthcare is not that developed, you may need to go a specialist.

http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/index.htm

[arabmtu]

Lama, thanks.

[ToughGong]

Laba qof oo aan aad isku aqaaney ayaa waxaani diley AUN

[barakaboy10]

routinely checking your health is very important even though i myself don't do it often.

may allah cure those who are suffering from this disease. ameen.