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Medically reviewed by Ayanna Lewis, M.D.
July 28, 2022, is World Hepatitis Day.
Do you know that greater than half the individuals residing with hepatitis don’t know they’ve it? We reached out to Ayanna Lewis, M.D., a gastroenterologist and member of HealthyWomen’s Girls’s Well being Advisory Council, to search out out what individuals ought to find out about this viral an infection.
What’s viral hepatitis?
Viral hepatitis is a viral an infection that causes irritation and harm to the liver.
What are the several types of viral hepatitis?
There are 5 widespread sorts of viral hepatitis. Most individuals have heard of hepatitis A, B and C — however there are additionally two others: hepatitis D and E.
- Hepatitis A is discovered within the stool of an contaminated particular person and is most frequently unfold by way of contaminated meals or water.
- Hepatitis B is transmitted by way of hepatitis B contaminated blood or different bodily fluids, equivalent to semen.
- Hepatitis C is unfold by way of publicity to hepatitis C-infected blood.
- Hepatitis D solely happens in people who find themselves additionally contaminated with hepatitis B.
- Hepatitis E is uncommon and is unfold by way of meals or water that has been contaminated by the virus present in an contaminated particular person’s stool.
Which sorts of hepatitis are the commonest?
Not surprisingly, the extra well-known sorts of hepatitis — A, B and C — are the commonest. Of the three, hepatitis C was the commonest in 2019.
What are the danger components for getting viral hepatitis?
The chance components for getting viral hepatitis are intently associated to the way it’s unfold. Hepatitis A spreads by consuming or ingesting contaminated meals or water. Working or touring in international locations the place the virus is widespread which have poor meals security practices is a typical danger issue.
Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are each transmitted by way of contaminated blood. Frequent danger components for these sorts embody sharing needles throughout IV drug use, having a job that exposes you to doubtlessly contaminated blood, or being born to an contaminated mom. Hepatitis B may also be unfold by way of different bodily fluids equivalent to semen. So, partaking in unprotected intercourse is a danger issue for hepatitis B.
What are the signs of viral hepatitis?
Hepatitis A signs embody gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach ache and lack of urge for food. Different doable signs are low-grade fever, fatigue, darkish urine, joint ache, jaundice (yellowing of the pores and skin and whites of the eyes), clay-colored stool or intense itching. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections usually haven’t any signs, however when signs do seem, they’re just like these of hepatitis A.
As a result of hepatitis infections usually haven’t any signs, you’ll be able to have them for years with out realizing. This may result in disastrous penalties, equivalent to cirrhosis, which is extreme liver illness, and even liver most cancers.
What are the therapies for viral hepatitis?
Remedy for viral hepatitis varies by the kind and stage of the an infection. Hepatitis A infections normally go away on their very own inside two months. You will need to get loads of relaxation, hydration and good vitamin when therapeutic. In distinction, hepatitis B and hepatitis C might change into continual situations lasting six months or extra. These can result in liver illness. If caught inside 12 hours of publicity, hepatitis B will be handled with an injection of immunoglobulin (an antibody). The hepatitis B vaccine must also be given if the particular person has not been vaccinated. Individuals with continual infections may have therapy for the remainder of their lives to cut back the dangers of growing liver illness and infecting others. Nevertheless, within the final decade, there have been thrilling breakthroughs within the therapy of hepatitis C infections utilizing direct-acting antiviral medicine, which may treatment the an infection inside 8-12 weeks with fewer unwanted side effects than the older therapies.
Is there a vaccine for hepatitis?
Sadly, there aren’t any vaccines for hepatitis C, D or E. Nevertheless, protected and extremely efficient vaccines that shield in opposition to hepatitis A and hepatitis B do exist, and they’re part of the CDC’s advisable little one and adolescent immunization schedule. Adults who didn’t get vaccinated throughout childhood might also get the vaccines. For steering on when it could be applicable, see the CDC’s grownup immunization schedule and seek the advice of your major care supplier.
What’s a hepatitis flare-up and what are the therapies, if any?
A hepatitis flare-up most frequently refers to sufferers with continual hepatitis B infections who expertise a sudden improve in liver irritation. That is normally the results of a change within the physique’s immune defenses in opposition to hepatitis B. An instance is reactivation of hepatitis attributable to drugs that suppress the immune system, equivalent to chemotherapy, antirejection medicine and corticosteroids. Relying on the reason for the flare-up, antiviral therapies could be used for therapy. Within the case of autoimmune hepatitis, flare-ups may very well be a results of an overactive immune response. In these circumstances, drugs that suppress the immune system could also be wanted.
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