Can You Live Without a Liver?

You Can’t Live Without Your Liver. BURLINGTON – Everything you eat and drink passes through one vital organ of your body, the liver. More than 500 life functions such as storing vitamins and filtering toxins, are performed there.

But three different viruses – hepatitis A, B and C – as well as excessive intake of alcohol or acetaminophen can harm the liver, affecting nearly every part of your body. During Hepatitis Awareness Month, the Vermont Department of Health and community partners will provide education and information promoting liver health, vaccination, and hepatitis prevention. Hepatitis A, B and C virus can cause dangerous swelling or inflammation of the liver.

There are vaccines that can protect people from hepatitis A and B, but no vaccine for hepatitis C. “You can’t live without your liver and it is important to keep it as healthy as possible,” said State Epidemiologist Patsy Kelso. During May, Health Department offices in White River Junction, St. Albans, Springfield, Rutland, Burlington, Brattleboro and Bennington will reach out to their communities with information and resources that promote liver health and hepatitis awareness.

The Department of Health is also developing a resource guide for people living with hepatitis, and provides workshops throughout the year for people at high risk for hepatitis. Community partners who offer information about hepatitis include the R.U.12?