Ashton Kutcher and the New Celebrity A-List

By now you may have heard that sitcom star and cougar prey Ashton Kutcher had a birthday party earlier this month. Now we learn it was a surprise party. The bartender had an active case of Hepatitis A...surprise!

Hepatitis A is a very contagious virus that infects the liver. It takes a few weeks for the infection to generate symptoms: nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and jaundice.

Jaundice is yellowing of the skin and eyes. Whenever the liver is sick it stops doing all the ordinary tasks assigned to it - synthesizing proteins, neutralizing toxins, and metabolizing bilirubin. Huh?

Bilirubin is a breakdown product of old, worn-out red cells. Liver enzymes convert unconjugated bilirubin to the conjugated form. From there the conjugated bilirubin is transported to the gallbladder where it aids in food digestion.

What about Ashton and Demi? Oh, I learned that Bruce (legendary good sport) was also in attendance.

Healthy people usually quickly recover from Hepatitis A. It takes a few weeks longer for the jaundice to resolve.

Folks with active Hepatitis have too much unconjugated bilirubin in circulation. It binds to connective tissues including the deeper layers of the skin as well as the moist conjunctiva, giving both eyeballs that yellowish-orange color.

Hepatitis A can be acquired from eating contaminated seafood. It is also transmitted person-to-person by direct contact, usually from the unwashed hands of infected individuals. This is a big reason why you see those 'Employees Must Wash Hands" decals on the washroom mirrors of restaurants. A very effective vaccine is available to protect you from Hepatitis A as well as a different one for Hepatitis B. We also know that prompt immunizations with Hepatitis A may prevent the disease or reduce the symptom severity.

You should consider getting both Hepatitis vaccines before your next birthday celebration.

You don't think Bruce picked the restaurant, do you?

Related Topics:

• WebMD Video: How and When to Wash Your Hands
• Hand Washing is Best MRSA Weapon

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