What is Viral Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is inflamation of the liver, sometimes caused by a viral infection. Why is an inflamed liver bad? The liver supports more than 500 vital functions in the human body.
There are 5 types of viral hepatits, but OCCHD primarily deals with 3: Hepatits A, B, and C. Each one have different characteristics and methods of prevention.
How do I know if I have hepatitis? Get tested! Testing is typically available with Primary Care Physicians, OB/GYN offices, local communiy health centers, or hospitals.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It is spread when someone unknowingly ingests the virus — even in very small amounts — through close personal contact with an infected person or through eating contaminated food or drink. The best way to prevent hepatitis A is through vaccination. Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all children older than age 1.
What are hepatitis A symptoms? fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark-colored urine and jaundice (a yellowing of the eyes and skin).
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis B is spread when blood, semen, or other body fluids from a person infected with the virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. The best way to prevent hepatitis B is by getting vaccinated. What are hepatitis B symptoms? Fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark-colored urine and jaundice (a yellowing of the eyes and skin).
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C is spread through contact with blood (or other body fluids that contain blood) from an infected person. Most people have no symptoms. Those who do develop symptoms may have fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, and yellowing of the eyes and skin. There are 2 types: acute and chronic. Acute: occurs within the first 6 months after someone is exposed to the hepatitis C virus. Chronic: if the virus persist after 6 months. Hepatitis C is treated with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents. These can be prescribed by any physician treating hepatitis C. The best way to prevent hepatitis C is by avoiding behaviors that can spread the disease. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C. The risk factors include, a) injection drug use, b) tattoos and piercings, c) needlestick injuries in healthcare settings, d) birth from an HCV-infected mother, e) sex with an HCV-infected person, f) blood transfusion prior to 1992, and g) sharing personal items such as razors or toothbrushes.