Heplisav-B for prevention of Hepatitis B

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Heplisav-B [Hepatitis B Vaccine, Recombinant (Adjuvanted)] for prevention of infection caused by all known subtypes of hepatitis B virus in adults. Hepatitis B is an extremely infectious and potentially deadly virus.

 There is no cure for hepatitis B, and infections are on the rise. Hepatitis B can be prevented through effective vaccination. Current hepatitis B vaccines require three shots over a six-month period, however, almost half of adults fail to complete the series within one year.

Prevention of hepatitis B in adults through vaccination is more important than ever given the increase in the rate of infections. A two-dose schedule with higher rates of protection, along with other strategies, may help us move closer to the goal of eliminating hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B is a viral disease of the liver that can become chronic and lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer and death. The hepatitis B virus is 50 to 100 times more infectious than HIV, transmission is on the rise. There is no cure for hepatitis B, but effective vaccination can prevent the disease. In adults, hepatitis B is spread through contact with infected blood and through unprotected sex with an infected person.

 The CDC recommends vaccination for those at high risk for infection due to their jobs, lifestyle, living situations and travel to certain areas. People with diabetes are particularly vulnerable to infection, the CDC recommends vaccination for adults age 19 to 59 with diabetes as soon as possible after their diagnosis, and for people age 60 and older with diabetes.

Heplisav-B is an adult hepatitis B vaccine that combines hepatitis B surface antigen with Dynavax's proprietary Toll-like Receptor (TLR) 9 agonist to enhance the immune response. Dynavax has worldwide commercial rights to Heplisav-B. Heplisav-B is indicated for active immunization against infection caused by all known subtypes of hepatitis B virus. Heplisav-B is approved for use in adults 18 years of age and older.

Do not administer Heplisav-B to individuals with a history of severe allergic reaction like anaphylaxis after a previous dose of any hepatitis B vaccine or to any component of Heplisav-B, including yeast. Appropriate medical treatment and supervision must be available to manage possible anaphylactic reactions following administration of Heplisav-B.

Immunocompromised persons, including individuals receiving immunosuppressant therapy, may have a diminished immune response to Heplisav-B. Hepatitis B has a long incubation period. Heplisav-B may not prevent hepatitis B infection in individuals who have an unrecognized hepatitis B infection at the time of vaccine administration. The most common patient reported adverse reactions reported within 7 days of vaccination were injection site pain, fatigue and headache.
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Links between poor diet and untimely death

Inadequate nutrition and unhealthy eating habits are associated with untimely death. Many people are eating a diet which consists of too much salt and saturated fat, and less fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains.

Western diet comprises of processed foods that have little or no nutrients, it is linked to hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, colorectal cancer and hepatitis. Low intake of healthy foods is the major cause of mortality, poor nutrition habits can be a behavioral health issue, because nutrition and diet affect feeling, thinking and behavior. Poor diet results in lower strength.

According to National Institutes of Health, hypertension is one of the results of poor nutrition. Eating too much junk food, fried food, salt, sugar, dairy products, caffeine and refined food can cause hypertension.

Poor nutrition can lead to high cholesterol, which is the major cause of heart disease. High cholesterol foods contain large amount of saturated fat. Ice cream, Eggs, Cheese, Butter and Beef can cause high cholesterol. Diabetes also can be linked to poor diet.

A stroke is caused by plaque that builds up in a blood vessel, then breaks free as a clot that moves to the brain and creates a blockage can be linked to poor nutrition. Strokes damage the brain and impair functioning, sometimes leading to death. Foods high in salt, fat and cholesterol increase the risk for stroke.

Different types of cancer like bladder, colon and breast cancers, may be caused by poor dietary habits. Avoid foods that contains refined sugars, nitrates and hydrogenated oils. Eat fruits and vegetables everyday to remain healthy and avoid untimely death.
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Hepatitis may increase the risk of Parkinson's disease

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, there are five hepatitis viruses: type A, B, C, D and E.

Types B and C are very common, a new study claims that hepatitis B and C may increase the risk of Parkinson's disease.

Hepatitis B is spread by having contact with infected blood and body fluids, hepatitis C is spread by blood to blood contact like sharing of sharp objects with infected person.

The researchers discovered that 76 percent ot type B patients and 51 of type C patients are at the risk of developing Parkinson's disease.

How HIV affects the immune system

Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a lentivirus that causes HIV and later AIDS. Early signs of HIV are: fever, joint pain, sore throat and skin rashes.

A T-cell is a type of lymphocyte - white blood cell that defend the body against disease, HIV infects a cell by attaching itself to T-cell, multiplies its virus and destroy the T-cell.

CD4 count shows the strength of one's immune system which is between 500 1500 for healthy people, being infected with HIV without treatment will reduce the count below 200.

 HIV  exposes the infected person to opportunistic  infections like: pneumonia, toxoplasmosis, thrush, and tuberculosis.

Presently, there is no cure for HIV. Antiretroviral therapy is recommended for people living with HIV virus.

Common side effects of Antiretroviral drugs are: glucose intolerance, kidney failure, hepatitis of the liver, insulin resistance, osteoporosis, anemia and inflamed pancreas.