Jewelry sharing can cause spread of Hepatitis
>>Print ViewPublication Date: 11/03/2006
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Students may be at risk for contracting Hepatitis C by a method they probably don't think twice about.
A recent survey of more than 600 undergraduates at a Midwestern university showed that 53 percent of students had shared body jewelry, an act that can spread the virus. The disease can also be spread by more familiar means like tattooing, receiving body piercings or using drugs.
Hepatitis is a disease that causes inflammation of the liver. It is usually spread through blood to blood contact but can also be transmitted through sexual intercourse. Hepatitis is a chronic disease and, as of now there is no vaccine for the C-strain.
"Sometimes I share earrings with my roommate," said Mary Ellen Hicks, a sophomore in the College of Pharmacy, Nursing and Health Sciences. "I wouldn't share with people I didn't know. I know my roommate really well."
"As long as I know the people I'm sharing with, I'm not worried," said Katelyn Nelligan, a sophomore in the College of Science. "I share earrings with my friends."
Neither student knew much about the disease. Hicks was able to state a few ways the disease spreads, but sharing pierced jewelry was not on her list.
"Hepatitis C is transmitted by body fluids, tattooing, unsafe needles and piercings," said Rutu Mahajan at the Purdue University Student Health Center. "It's a chronic disease and usually mild; most people don't even feel sick.
"Hepatitis C is often asymptomatic," said Mahajan. "Most patients only experience chronic tiredness, sometimes some nausea." The disease can develop into more serious problems, like cirrhosis or liver cancer, if not properly treated.
"There is no vaccine (for the C-strain) unlike Hepatitis A or B," said Mahajan. "There is also no definitive treatment . . . prevention is always better than a cure."
"Sharing jewelry is risky," said Sarah Sayger, clinical director at PUSH. "There is tremendous risk with IV drug use."
Some students are unaware of the risks of the virus. "Most (students) have been immunized for (Hepatitis) B and some for (Hepatitis) A. The immunizations lead one to believe they are 'covered,'" said Sayger.
Sayger had advice for those who think they may be at risk. "See a healthcare provider for advice or testing."
More information about the virus can be obtained at the Student Wellness Office at PUSH or from the Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov.