Identifying the Most Concerning Communicable Disease in Our Community
The health of the American population is far from being in a state of crisis. However, it would also be false to say that it does not have any problems, especially those associated with infectious diseases. As I see it, hepatitis C deserves more concern from the American public.
There are two arguments for this; one comes from hepatitis C’s pathogenesis, and the other is related to the socioeconomic situation that is unfortunately common for people with this condition. The disease has a years-long period of being asymptomatic, but when one starts to feel its symptoms, their body is already significantly damaged (Hepatitis C, 2023). That is why the danger of contracting hepatitis C and methods and practices to prevent it should become more discussed topics.
Understanding the Impact: Affected Populations and Burden Distribution
Hepatitis C affects different population categories in the United States. According to the Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy (2022), “new HCV infections are most common among people who inject drugs” (para. 9). These are usually people suffering from the abuse of harmful and illicit substances and having a low income. These circumstances almost wholly cut off access to hepatitis C treatment for them because it is an expensive healthcare service.
Moreover, it affects older people and young adults, primarily men (Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy, 2022). About 15,000 people died from this communicable disease in 2020, and infection rates keep going up (Hepatitis C, 2023, para. 1). The hepatitis C’s burden lies on those infected, their partners, and family members.
Strategies for Addressing and Preventing the Communicable Disease
The negative trend of increasing hepatitis C patients can be stopped by giving educational lectures in high schools, colleges, and safe injection sites. I believe I am capable of developing an effective one. Another theoretically effective measure is to periodically inform people about the need for a health check online.
References
Hepatitis C: By the numbers. (2023). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Web.
Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy. (2022). Hepatitis C basics. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Web.
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