Physician Resources

BC Centre for Disease Control, BC Hepatitis Services
Canadian Association for the Study of the Liver
Vertical Transmission of the Hepatitis C Virus The Canadian Paediatric Society
Health Canada: Hepatitis C Online

Nursing Resources

Canadian Nurses Association The Canadian Nurses Association factsheet on Hepatitis C
Also: Hepatitis C - A Nursing Guide  
printable pdf version

Settlements

If you were infected by blood transfusion or blood products, you may be eligible for compensation under one of these settlements.
Class Actions Settlement: January 1, 1986-July 1, 1990
Canadian Red Cross Settlement: BC Government Settlement: prior to January 1, 1986 and between July 1, 1990 and September 28, 1998


Media: Video

The following videos are available for borrowing, free of charge, from the ANKORS resource library in Nelson and the Grand Forks Hep C Support Centre:

Dr. John Farley, Infectious Diseases Specialist 'The Medical Aspects of Hepatitis C'
Warren Fischer, DTCM 'Traditional Chinese Medicine and Hep C - Can It Help?'
Steve Mounteer, DTCM, RN 'Traditional Chinese Medicine and Hep C - A More Western Viewpoint'

 



[Download Adobe Acrobat for PDF]   

Information For People With Hepatitis C

West Kootenay / Boundary
Contact: Karen Leman and/or
Alex Sherstobitoff - 250-505-5506 at ANKORS.
email: support@ankors.bc.ca, riseup@ankors.bc.ca

Castlegar
Robin - (250) 365-6137

East Kootenay
Kelly Ferguson - hcvankors@telus.net

 

Media: Articles of Interest

Rationale For Use Of Biotene Mouth Care Products Rather than Vaseline
Petroleum based products such as Vaseline should be avoided because they are anhydrous, meaning they contain no water. Anhydrous products can seal in potentially harmful bacteria causing infection. Aspiration of petroleum products or harmful bacteria is also a risk resulting in the possibility of an individual developing exogenous lipoid pneumonia. Vaseline and other petroleum based products are hygroscopic as well, meaning they actually absorb or draw water out of the tissues leaving them drier than prior to application. These products are known to be contraindicating to use with oxygen as they can break down plastic eliciting sparks from the oxygen, putting a person at risk for burns.
Biotene Mouthwash and Oralbalance Gel replenish key enzymes and protein in individuals with dry mouth. Saliva function is key to antimicrobial function, cell growth, pH balance and enamel re-mineralization. When saliva is lacking individuals are at risk of oral infection, tooth decay, discomfort related to burning oral tissues and difficulty speaking, chewing and swallowing.
The two key enzymes found in saliva are lysozyme and lactoperoxidase. Lactoperoxidase is probably the most important antimicrobial as it is bacteriostatic therefore inhibiting bacteria and assists in keeping oral flora in balance.
Saliva also contains a protein named lactoferin. Lactoferin works to deprive bacteria of the iron it requires for growth and also keep the oral flora in balance.
Biotene Mouthwash and Oralbalance Gel contains these enzymes and protein and if used consistently act as an insurance policy against overgrowth of harmful bacteria while maintaining the balance of healthy oral flora.
Both of these products are water-soluble and therefore if aspirated the lungs can break down the substance and flush it away. This eliminates the possibility of exogenous lipoid pneumonia that exists with the use of Vaseline.
According to Pharmacy Practice Journal, Vol. 14, No. 4 of April 1998, a person may swallow up to 15 ml of Biotene QID to relieve dryness and mucous in throat.
According to research Oralbalance Gel is also ingestible and can serve the same purpose in coating the throat and providing relief.
Oralbalance Gel is thixotropic, meaning it is a gel that can be fluid-like as well. The result is ease in spreading the gel onto the palate, tongue, gums and lips and yet its' "stickiness" ensures the gel will adhere to the tissues and impart the enzymes and protein to provide protection for the mouth.
Printable PDF version of this article.
Biotene Online
"Biotene Online" Biotene Mouthwash and Oralbalance Gel are presently recommended for individuals with dry oral tissues. They can be ordered online with free shipping in Canada -Toll Free - 1 (866) 640-3800 click on the bottle to go to website.
"Combo" & Dry Mouth
Some people taking combination therapy (interferon and ribavirin) experience dry mouth and nasal passages. Dry mouth (xerostomia) occurs when the amount or quality of saliva decreases. Saliva plays an important role in keeping the teeth, gums, inside of the mouth, and throat healthy. Healthy saliva is necessary to:
  • cleanse the mouth of food;
  • bathe the teeth with protective minerals that harden teeth and reverse early cavities;
  • lubricate the food and start the digestive process;
  • moisten the soft tissue in the mouth; and
  • limit the growth of bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease.

An absence or decrease of saliva produces an uncomfortable feeling in the mouth, makes the oral cavity more prone to diseases and can lead to swallowing problems that affect nutrition. Possible causes of dry mouth may include medication side effects, low fluid intake, mouth breathing and/or lack of daily oral hygiene procedures. A small percentage of people on treatment will also experience vomiting because of the nausea caused by treatment. Lack of saliva and vomiting both can change the acid levels in the mouth, which can lead to de-mineralization and tooth decay.
The drugs can also inhibit the body's ability to fight infections. The mouth is constantly bombarded with germs; therefore common infections can get out of hand very quickly. Warning signs of dry mouth are:
  • difficulty in swallowing food;
  • persistent sore throat;
  • new decay especially on root surfaces of teeth;
  • denture discomfort;
  • dry lips; and corners of the mouth that crack or bleed.
"Combo" & Dry Mouth Hints:

Drink water frequently,(avoid tea, coffee and soft drinks, they cause dehydration).
Suck on ice chips, popsicles, frozen grapes, sugarless hard candy or chew sugarless gum. The best gums have xylitol, which helps fight cavities(Trident)
Moisten dry foods with butter, margarine, gravy, sauces or broth.
Use topical fluoride, apply moisturizing gels inside the mouth, rinsing with a recommended mouth rinse, or moisten the mouth with artificial saliva.
Clean your teeth after every meal. Use a soft toothbrush (a hard toothbrush is less effective in cleaning). Hot water will help to soften the bristles even more.
If your gums are too sensitive for even a soft toothbrush, use a gauze or clean wash cloth. Use a nonabrasive fluoridated toothpaste or fluoride rinse. Rinse your toothbrush well after each use and store in a dry place.
To disinfect toothbrushes, run them through the dishwasher (yes, it works) or soak in Listerine for 20 minutes and rinse thoroughly. (Listerine is not recommended as a mouthwash as it contains alcohol which can dry the mouth and may affect the liver)
Use lip lubrication (e.g., lanolin, crème, etc.)
Do not eat foods that irritate the mouth (e.g., spicy, salty or highly acidic).
Some people have found that swishing their mouth with a small amount of sulcrate (a prescription ulcer medication) helps with mouth sores.
Printable PDF version of this article.

Re-mineralizing
 Re-mineralizing gels and rinses can protect your teeth from decay. Using a daily product is better than a weekly product. There are re-mineralizing gels and rinses as well as fluoride gels and rinses; both help stop decay. The gels can be brushed on or put into custom trays. Gels applied in a custom tray made by your registered dental hygienist and left on for four minutes a day in the shower are the most beneficial way to re-mineralize the teeth. However, some people have difficulty with the trays, as they trigger their gag reflex, particularly the "one size fits all" type of tray. For them, brushing on the gel or using a rinse is better.
 Germiphene makes remineralizing gels and rinses that contain .05% Calcium, Phosphorous and Fluoride.
 Oral B makes Fluoride rinses.
 Colgate makes a toothpaste called Prevident 5000.
 Minor oral infections can be treated or prevented with antibacterial mouth rinses that contain 0.12% chlorhexidine.
 Proctor and Gamble make Peridex.
 Colgate makes Perioguard
 Germiphene makes Oroclens.

Saliva substitutes are recommended for easing the discomfort of dry mouth. Some people recommend Mouthkote, which is sold in heath-food stores. Biotene Mouthwash and Oralbalance Gel are also recommended. These contain two key enzymes found in saliva that are important in maintaining the oral flora. Vaseline and all other petroleum products are not recommended as they increase the drying out of oral tissues.
Re-mineralizing Hints:

 Dry nasal passages can be treated with Secaris ointment. Some people experience changes to their sense of taste, appetite and food preferences while on treatment. Make allowances for these changes and try to eat a healthy, well balanced diet.
  It is a good idea to get your dental care up to date before starting treatment and to advise your dentist when you are on treatment. Your dentist may suggest that you have more frequent checkups during treatment in order to maintain good oral health.
  If you experience sudden pain, swelling, fever or other unusual occurrence, contact your physician or dentist promptly.
  For further information, please contact Dental Health Services at your local health centre. IHA – Dental Health Services Nelson: (250) 354-6728 Trail: (250) 364-0511 Our thanks to the following sources:
  • Mara Sand, RDH, Community Dental Hygienist,
  • Interior Health Authority
  • Ginny Cathcart B.A., Dip. D.H., I.D., M. Ed.
  • Registered Residential Care Dental Hygienist
  • Dental Hygiene Department Head, V.C.C.
  • Peppermint Patti's FAQ / HepCBC
  • The many members of the Hepatitis C community who shared their experience.
  • Hepatitis C Support and Education Project 1-800-421-2437
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