Hepatitis
Hepatitis is a viral infection that affects the liver and can cause serious problems with the liver tissue and functioning. Hepatitis is categorized into three specific types: hepatitis A, B and C. People who have the symptoms of hepatitis A, B, or C – or have engaged in a risky sexual activity that could infect them – should see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Hepatitis A
Symptoms
The symptoms of hepatitis A are usually flu-like, including headache, nausea, fatigue, fever, stomach pains, and jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and eyes). In some cases, a person may not notice any symptoms. The symptoms are usually detected anywhere from 2 to 7 weeks after being exposed to the hepatitis A virus. The symptoms only last about 2 months.
Transmission
The hepatitis A virus is found in the feces of an infected person. It is most commonly spread when eating food that has been in contact with fecal matter, for example, food that has been prepared by people who did not wash their hands after using the bathroom. The virus can also be spread sexually through oral-anal contact, such as performinganalingus or oral sex with an object that has been in contact with the anus.
Treatment
Medical treatment for hepatitis A is usually not necessary, because in most cases, the disease goes away on its own. It is advised to get bed rest, keep hydrated with fluids, and not consume alcohol if one has contracted hepatitis A. Typically, the immune system develops antibodies against the virus, which should protect the person from any future infections. Nevertheless, it is wise to see a doctor for professional advice if one becomes infected.
Prevention
There are two main ways to prevent getting hepatitis A. If one's work environment or travel destinations increase the chances of exposure to the virus, it is highly recommended to get vaccinated for hepatitis A. In addition, proper hygiene and caution with anal contact are easy and essential way to avoid coming in contact with hepatitis A.
Hepatitis B
Symptoms
The symptoms of hepatitis B are similar to those of hepatitis A. They can include jaundice, fever, stomach pains, persistent fatigue, light-colored stool, and nausea. The symptoms appear between 1 and 6 months after exposure to the virus. It is important to note that many people do not experience any symptoms when they have hepatitis B, and may unknowingly pass it to others.
Transmission
The hepatitis B virus is found in bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and saliva. The virus can be spread through sexual activities in which one comes in contact with infected bodily fluids. An infected pregnant woman can also transmit hepatitis B to her child at the time of childbirth.
Treatment
When hepatitis B cases are diagnosed shortly after exposure, the doctor will usually give the patient a hepatitis B vaccine, which should help the immune system fight the disease quickly. For chronic hepatitis B cases that continue past 6 months, treatment usually consists of a combination of certain medications. Most people with hepatitis B are able to fight off the disease and build up antibodies that protect them from any future infection of the virus. However, some people may continue to carry the virus and pass it on to others, even when their symptoms have disappeared.
Prevention
The best way to prevent hepatitis B is to get vaccinated. Also, it is extremely important to use condoms or other barrier methods when engaging in sexual activities, in order to avoid contact with infected fluids. It is also wise to avoid any contact with blood, such as from an open wound, razor, pierced earrings, needles, etc. People should avoid exchanging saliva by not sharing chewed food, gum, or toothbrushes.
Hepatitis C
Symptoms
Many people who are infected with hepatitis C do not even know they have it because they do not experience any symptoms. When people do experience symptoms, they can include jaundice, fatigue, discolored urine, sore muscles, joint pain, and stomach pain. When people are newly infected with the virus, they may experience acute hepatitis C. Once people have had the disease for over 6 months, they are said to have chronic hepatitis C. Often times, people may have chronic hepatitis C for a while before it is diagnosed, which is usually by accident.
Transmission
Hepatitis C is spread when an infected person's blood comes in contact with the blood of a second person. Most commonly, this happens when people share injection needles with infected people, as when using needles to take illegal drugs. Sometimes, an infected mother can pass hepatitis C to her child at the time of birth. The chances of contracting hepatitis C through sexual activity are low, since this would have to somehow allow blood-to-blood contact.
Treatment
Unfortunately by the time that most people are diagnosed with hepatitis C, it has developed into a chronic, long-term disease that they have to live with throughout the remainder of their lives. Hepatitis C can cause severe liver damage and even liver failure. There are antiviral medications available to prevent the virus from damaging the liver.
Prevention
Unlike hepatitis A and B, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C. There are, however, other steps that one can take to help prevent contracting hepatitis C. Do not share injections needles with anyone or use needles that are not completely sterilized. People who work with blood or needles in a medical profession should always wear gloves to protect themselves. Also, people who are getting a piercing or tattoo, make sure that all the instruments are sterilized.
References
1. Hepatitis health center. (n.d.). Retrieved January 31, 2007, from http://www.webmd.com/diseases_and_conditions/hepatitis.htm
Added 04/25/2007