Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver.

The liver is a vital organ that processes nutrients, filters the blood, and fights infections. When the liver is inflamed or damaged, its function can be affected.

TYPES OF HEPATITIS

There are 5 types of viral hepatitis.

Viral infections of the liver that are classified as hepatitis include hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E.

A different virus is responsible for each type of virally transmitted hepatitis.

HEPATITIS A

Hepatitis A is caused by an infection with the hepatitis A virus (HAV).

This type of hepatitis is most commonly transmitted by consuming food or water contaminated by feces from a person infected with hepatitis A.


HEPATITIS B

Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with infectious body fluids, such as blood, vaginal secretions, or semen, containing the hepatitis B virus (HBV).

Injection drug use, having sex with an infected partner, or sharing razors with an infected person increase your risk of getting hepatitis B.


HEPATITIS C

Hepatitis C comes from the hepatitis C virus (HCV).

Hepatitis C is transmitted through direct contact with infected body fluids, typically through injection drug use and sexual contact.


HEPATITIS D

Also called delta hepatitis, hepatitis D is a serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV).

HDV is contracted through direct contact with infected blood.

Hepatitis D is a rare form of hepatitis that only occurs in conjunction with hepatitis B infection. The hepatitis D virus can’t multiply without the presence of hepatitis B.


HEPATITIS E

Hepatitis E is a waterborne disease caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV).

Hepatitis E is mainly found in areas with poor sanitation and typically results from ingesting fecal matter that contaminates the water supply.


SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ACUTE HEPATITIS

They appear quickly and they include:

1. Fatigue.
2. Flu-like symptoms.
3 Dark urine.
4. Pale stool.
5. Abdominal pain.
6. Loss of appetite.
7. Unexplained weight loss.
8. Yellow skin and eyes, which may be signs of jaundice.


PREVENTION

HYGIENE
Practicing good hygiene is one key way to avoid contracting hepatitis A and E.

If you’re traveling to a developing country, you should avoid:

1. Local water.
2. Ice.
3. Raw or undercooked shellfish and oysters.
4. Raw fruit and vegetables.

HEPATITIS B, C, and D contracted through contaminated blood can be prevented by:

1. Not sharing drug needles.
2. Not sharing razors.
3. Not using someone else’s toothbrush.
4. Not touching spilled blood.
5. Hepatitis B and C can also be contracted through sexual intercourse and intimate sexual contact.
6. Practicing safe sex by using condoms and dental dams can help decrease the risk of infection.


VACCINES

The use of vaccines is an important key to preventing hepatitis. Vaccinations are available to prevent the development of hepatitis A and B.

Experts are currently developing vaccines against hepatitis C.


COMPLICATIONS OF HEPATITIS

Chronic hepatitis B or C can often lead to more serious health problems.

Because the virus affects the liver, people with chronic hepatitis B or C are at risk for:

1. Chronic liver disease.
2. Cirrhosis.
3. Liver cancer.

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