[DYSPHAGIA] Hepatitis B

[SuzMorris@aol.com (SuzMorris@aol.com)]

Irene,

Any idea why there is a high incidence of individuals with Down syndrome 
being carriers of Hepatitis B?  Is this related in some way to the 
genetic aspects of the syndrome?  Are you talking more about individuals 
who are in a hospital or residential care facility?

Does this also apply to infants and young children with Down syndrome who 
live at home?  If I'm working only with babies and other relative young 
kids with Downs is it important to get Hepatitis B shots?

Suzanne Morris
New Visions
http://www.new-vis.com

>This question came up re a recent message. Does
>everyone regularly get Hep B shots? Everyone who works
>with persons with Down syndrome must have them as
>these patients have a high incidence of being carriers
>of Hepatitis B. Otherwise, I find that it's often
>forgotten that when working inside the mouth one may
>be bitten and one can't always tell a) whether or not
>the patient is a carrier and b) if there are bleeding
>gums, for example, until one has the fingers inside
>the mouth. Given the number of older patients with
>tonic bite etc. I choose not to take the chance.
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