Stereotypically liver disease is linked to alcohol or drugs. The real truth is that there are over 100 known causes of liver disease that affect everyone from infants to seniors.

Many people have only heard of Cirrhosis which is often considered to be a form of liver disease. Cirrhosis is not a form of liver disease, it is a condition that results from permanent damage or scarring of the liver. It is the end stage of many different forms of liver disease and is known to cause a number of other health problems. You can learn more about Cirrhosis at HealthLinkBC

Some of the most frequent liver diseases are usually caused by one of these factors:

• Viral hepatitis (Hepatitis A, B and C)

• Obesity (fatty liver disease)

• Alcohol

• Genetics

• Autoimmune disorders of the liver

• Drugs and toxins

• Cancer

Learn more about liver disease at LiveStrong.com 

The Taboo Plague

In proper society no one would ever admit to having an undesireable disease, let alone a virus so disgusting that only the lowliest members of society would have it. If that were true we could all sleep a little better in our beds at night.

According to B.C.'S Health Care book, until 1994, the primary way to contract HCV (Hepatitis C Virus) was through blood transfusions, followed by tattoos and IV drug use. It can take up to twenty years or more to become ill. There are no pain receptors in the liver and by the time you find out you're ill, you could be in serious trouble.

Sixty thousand British Columbians have HCV (Hepatitis C Virus) and a further sixty thousand have HBV (Hepatitis B Virus). You do the math. One in ten people have some form of liver disease. Blood to blood is the only way you can catch HCV. Get immunized against HBV and HAV (Hepatitis A Virus). The sooner you are diagnosed, the better your treatment options are. 

Click here to learn more about getting vaccinated