CH 24 Case #3
First of all, is Pam's husband correct about transmission of the virus? Elaborate.
No because it is transmitted through blood and semen. However, it can also be transmitted through saliva.
Pam says she'll also remind him that in the last year the newspapers have reported at least three hepatitis outbreaks traced to restaurants. Respond to her statement.
Pam is most likely talking about Hep A because that is the one usually transmitted by fecal-oral contact through food and drink.
How severe is this infection for young children?
The chances of getting infected as a young child is low, but 90% of people that get infected as young children will have an active hepatitis infection and 25% of them will die of liver failure from the hepatitis. Hep B can be fatal, great chance of it becoming fatal if you get it as a child.
While you're on the phone with Pam, her husband comes home from work. He hears your conversation, and says in a loud voice, "That vaccine is not safe! It's one of those genetically engineered things!" What can you tell Pam about how the vaccine is made, and whether it is safe or not?
This gives the child antigens that would be on the surface of the virus that are genetically engineered. You're just introducing antigens, NOT viruses. They're antigens we learn how to make by studying viruses. These antigens revoke an immune response and teach the body how to fight Hep B but will not expose them to the virus at all. This is safer than a normal live attenuated vaccine.
Your sister Pam called you last night, upset about her recent visit to the pediatrician (she has a 3-year-old son). Actually, she was upset about the discussion she had afterward with her husband, who was adamantly opposed to having their son vaccinated against hepatitis B virus (HBV). Pam called you because the doctor had convinced her that it was necessary. Her husband believes that hepatitis B is mostly acquired through sexual contact and drug use and that it's ridiculous to vaccinate a 3-year-old. Pam wants your advice before continuing this discussion with her husband.
case #3