Dec
RU Immunized?
R U Immunized? The NCAA recommends vaccination for all athletes
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) may be spread thru sweat according to a study published this year in the British Journal of Sports medicine. The virus can survive outside the body for 1 week and can penetrate broken skin.
HBV causes a serious incurable disease that attacks the liver. This lifelong infection leads to cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver and possibly liver cancer or liver failure. HBV infection can be prevented by vaccination.
One in 20 Americans carries this virus. 75% of carriers are in their 20s and 30s. Although sexual contact is one way to “catch” the virus only 1/3 of transmissions are the results of such contact. Other ways to get HBV are:
• Needle sticks (piercing/ tattoos/ health care)
• Sharing razors or toothbrushes
• ROAD RASH
The NCAA and the American College of Sports Medicine recommend vaccination for all athletes.
