- Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
The Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) causes an infection of the liver. Symptoms of HBV infection may range from none to flu-like symptoms, jaundice, and serious illness. If symptoms do occur, they many not be evident until two to six months after the person is infected. In the United States, approximately 60,000 people are infected with HBV annually. However, 5 to 10 percent of infected patients become chronic carriers of the disease. Of these cases, small percentages are fatal. HBV initially causes inflammation of the liver, but it can lead to more serious conditions such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.
HBV is very durable and resistant to the elements, and it can survive in dried blood for up to seven days. For this reason, the virus is the primary concern for anyone who may come in contact with blood or potentially infectious materials.
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a severe life-threatening illness that suppresses the body's immune system and can impede neurological function. Symptoms of HIV infection may range from an asymptomatic state to severe immunodeficiency, opportunistic infections, neoplasms, and other conditions. There is no known cure or immunization which can prevent seroconversion to the AIDS virus.
- Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) causes an infection of the liver. It can potentially lead to liver disease, liver cancer, cirrhosis, and possibly death. Symptoms of HCV are like those of HBV, with 80% of infections totally asymptomatic until liver damage has become irreversible.
