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Hepatitis C Syllabus

Decent Essays

On March 24th at 7:30 in the Chapel, Jay Parish presented “The Discovery of Antiviral Agents and What I Learned Learned Along the Way”. He elaborated on his contributions to the study of anti-virals for the treatment of different viruses, particularly Hepatitis C. By explaining the course of the virus, Mr. Parish brought light to a medical concern that is typically unheard of by people. His lecture was quite interesting in that it made people realize that the parameters of an illness/virus is much more complex than perceived. Hepatitis C is a blood transmitted virus that has been know for substandard therapies/ drug treatments. When Mr. Parish commented that currently, there is no absolute cure to HCV, my mind immediately shifted to “cancer”. People often think of cancer as the most severe illness someone can get, because there is no cure. However, we forget that in actuality, there are numerous …show more content…

Parish explained the overall course of HCV and what it means when people say it is a “silence disease”. During the first few phases, the virus starts off small and its effects are unnoticed. Eventually, the virus multiples at an incredibly rate and attacks the liver significantly. Even though to others this may have been just a mere presentation on some virus, to me, it was more personal because I have a close relative who was diagnosed with HCV. It was very discerning to see how quickly the virus progressed and how detrimental it is on the patient. However, I was glad that I was able to learn and know more of the virus. HCV is related to the liver; and it was interesting to hear that the consumption of alcohol can greatly damage the liver. Yet, despite how educated or prestige and individual may be, they still drink. During a conversation I had with my physician, he told me, “I had PhD colleagues who had drinking problems.” It amazed me that even with the full awareness that drinking diminishes the liver’s health, people persist in doing

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