Hepatitis

Generally speaking, hepatitis is any inflammation of the liver. Although it is often caused by a virus, other causes may include alcohol, medications and that have a harmful effect on the liver, toxins, or autoimmune disorders.

In total, there are at least 7 known viral hepatitis strains: A,B,C,D,E,F, and G. Of these viral forms, hepatitis C may be the leading infectious cause of chronic liver disease in the Western world, affecting more than 170 million people worldwide. Hepatitis A, which is not blood-borne, and hepatitis B, which is blood-borne, are also very widespread. Only these viral forms of hepatitis, including hepatitis C, can be spread directly from one person to another.

Examples of nonviral forms of hepatitis include alcoholic hepatitis (caused by excessive drinking), toxic/drug induced hepatitis (caused by inhaling or swallowing certain toxins or medications such as acetaminophen), and autoimmune hepatitis (which occurs when the body Ts immune system attacks its own liver cells).

About Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A, often abbreviated as HAV (hepatitis A virus), is extremely prevalent (widespread) in the U.S. population. In fact, 1 out of 3 Americans has been infected at some point. However, most people who are infected with hepatitis A recover completely without treatment and, once the infection has subsided, develop lifelong immunity to the disease.

Hepatitis A is transmitted primarily by the fecal-to-oral route through contaminated food or water, or because of poor hygiene habits. Hepatitis A can also be contracted by eating shellfish from contaminated water sources. In the U.S., people who live in communities with high rates of hepatitis A infection are considered at risk for contracting the disease.

People who are infected with hepatitis A generally develop flu-like symptoms, such as low-grade fever, aches, and mild abdominal pain within 10 to 40 days after exposure. In some individuals, these flu-like symptoms can be followed by jaundice (a yellowing of the eyes and skin). Hepatitis A is an acute condition and most people clear the virus on their own without treatment. However, in fewer than 1% of cases, severe acute infections may lead to liver failure and to a need for liver transplantation. Hepatitis A does not lead to the development of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.

A vaccine is available to protect against hepatitis A. It is recommended for anyone who may be going to an area where there are increased rates of hepatitis A, including Mexico, Central America, Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. The vaccine is also recommended for people who might become seriously ill if they are infected with the virus.

Hepatitis A can be avoided by washing hands with warm water and soap, particularly after using the toilet or changing diapers, and before preparing and eating food. Good hygiene practices are particularly important for anyone who works with food.

About Hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B, often abbreviated as HBV (hepatitis B virus), is transmitted through blood or blood products, through sexual contact, or from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth.

In the U.S. an estimated 1.25 million people are infected with hepatitis B. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 30% of people who are infected with HBV do not have any symptoms of the disease. Others may experience flu-like symptoms, including low-grade fever, aches, and mild abdominal pain.

Although individuals with healthy immune systems usually recover from HBV after about 6 months, 5% to 10% of those who are infected develop the chronic (long-term) form of the disease. Often those with long-term infection have no symptoms, or they may suffer from fatigue, malaise and periods of jaundice. If left untreated these individuals may be at risk for serious complications of liver damage such as cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer.

A highly effective vaccine has been developed to help protect against hepatitis B. Currently, the CDC is supporting a universal childhood vaccination program with the goal of eliminating the spread of hepatitis B altogether. In addition, the vaccine is recommended for adults who are at a higher risk for contracting hepatitis B due to their occupations (eg. Healthcare workers and emergency medical personnel), lifestyle choices or health conditions.

Hepatitis B can be prevented by carefully cleaning up blood and blood products, practicing safe sex, and not sharing needles, razors, or other personal care items (such as toothbrushes and nail clippers) that might come into contact with blood. To help prevent mother-to-child transmission, all pregnant women should be tested for the hepatitis B virus. Newborns of mothers who test positive can be vaccinated against the condition and receive other precautionary treatments.