Only viral hepatitis contagious

Tue., Jan. 24, 2006

Peter Gott United Media

Dear Dr. Gott: In your newspaper column, you answered some questions regarding hepatitis. You wrote, “Some forms of chronic, persistent hepatitis are contagious to family members, other types are not. All forms can be spread by blood donation or needle sticks.” This information is wrong, wrong and more wrong! It should be corrected.

The only types of hepatitis that are contagious through blood donation and needle sticks are the different viral forms of hepatitis. There are other forms of persistent chronic hepatitis that are never contagious through any means. Autoimmune, alcoholic, genetic and about 15 percent of liver transplants are of unknown origin. I know because I am on the liver transplant list, and the doctors have no idea why I have cirrhosis. You could mix my blood with anyone’s blood anytime, and no one would catch my hepatitis. Only the viruses are contagious. This disease has a stigma attached to it already, with people believing only drunks and drug addicts get it. Now you are telling people everyone with hepatitis is contagious.

Dear Reader: You are correct that there are other causes of hepatitis that are not caused by viruses, such as cirrhosis of unknown cause (probably autoimmune), alcoholism and the side effects of various medications. I am sorry for the confusion; it is only the viral types of liver inflammation that are contagious. Thanks for writing.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Viruses and Cancer.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Dear Dr. Gott: I am 92 years old and have been using an electric blanket for more than 20 years. You do not recommend the use of an electric blanket on account of electromagnetic radiation exposure.

Dear Reader: Some authorities urge caution with respect to electric blankets because of the possible risks associated with chronic exposure to electromagnetic fields and the supposed risks of living close to high-tension electrical wires. Such sources might cause cancer and bone marrow problems in some people, but the connection has yet to be proved.

Therefore, my position is one of caution: Use electric blankets to warm up the bed, then turn them off when you turn in. Also, do not make a habit of standing too close to a microwave oven when it is in use.

As far as high-tension wires go, what can I say? Avoid them just to be on the safe side.

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