Police medical services in conjunction with Norvik Hospital are offering hepatitis B test and vaccination to police officers and communities around Naguru barracks.
The activity which has kicked off today is to run for three days at Naguru Health Centre V in Naguru Barrack, Nakawa division in Kampala District.
According to Muyama Joyce, the in charge of the medical camp set, “We are offering both test and vaccination of this killer disease. ” Adding that, ” If a person is diagnosed with hepatitis B is advised to seek medical treatment while those without get vaccine at a cost of 8,000 Ug shillings per vaccine and, all the three doses will be offered.”
Muyama said this is a subsidised cost offered to help Ugandans get immunized against hepatitis B. adding that, outside hospitals do charge 40,000 Ug shillings.
She urged the community around and police officers to turn up and utilise this opportunity.
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What is hepatitis B:
Hepatitis B is a virus that infects the liver.
Sometimes the virus causes a long-term infection, called chronic hepatitis B and over time it can damage your liver.
What causes hepatitis B:
It is caused by the hepatitis B virus. It is spread through contact with the blood and body fluids of an infected person.
How hepatitis B is transmitted:
- One can get it through having sex with an infected person without using a condom.
- Sharing needles (used for injecting drugs) with an infected person.
- When you get a tattoo or piercing with tools that were not sterilized.
- Sharing personal items like razors or toothbrushes with an infected person.
- A mother who has the virus can also pass it to her baby during delivery. Medical experts recommend that all pregnant women get tested for hepatitis B.
Symptom of Hepatitis B:
Feeling very tired, mild fever, headache, loss of appetite, belly pain or vomiting, dark urine, yellowish eyes and skin. If you experience such symptoms please visit the nearest hospital.
