To top it off it is also our major decontamination plant which rids us of toxins and poisons. It is therefore not surprising that it is a vital organ, without which human life is impossible. The ancient Greeks knew about it, and they left us the mythical story of Prometheus. Prometheus stole for mankind the gift of fire and in punishment was chained by the Olympic Gods to a rock, where every day an eagle devoured his liver, a liver which regenerated miraculously every night. Hepatitis B is unfortunately a terrible viral disease which often overcomes the spectacular self healing capabilities of the liver.
Newborns can acquire it while traveling through the birth canal of an infected mother.
Recovered patients may continue to stay infectious indefinitely. Fortunately, we have now a very safe and effective vaccine which may totally prevent this potentially catastrophic illness. The vaccine is given as a series of three injections over a period of three months. Beginning next year, all Florida's seventh graders will be required to show proof of having received the Hepatitis B vaccine before they may start school. It will be necessary, therefore, to begin the vaccination in the first quarter of 1997 in order for these students to be in compliance.