HEALTH EDUCATION

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. The group of viruses that infect the liver are called hepatitis viruses. Some types of hepatitis can cause very serious diseases and — in extreme cases — may lead to death. There are three types of the Hepatitis virus. Hepatitis A (HAV), Hepatitis B (HBV), and Hepatitis C (HCV).

Hepatitis A (HAV)

A person can get hepatitis A from infected fecal matter that gets into the mouth — from contaminated food, for example. This infection usually spreads when people do not wash their hands after using the bathroom. HAV can pass from one sex partner to another. Hepatitis A is not a long-term infection. A person can only get the infection once.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

What it is
Hepatitis B is a serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the liver. The virus, which is called hepatitis B virus (HBV), can cause lifelong infection, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure, and death.

Hepatitis B vaccine is available for all age groups to prevent hepatitis B virus infection.

Infection can be acute (the infection is new) or chronic (the infection is maintained over time). Acute infections run their course and the infected person recovers.Chronic infections can be life-threatening, leading to liver cirrhosis (harmful scarring) or cancer.

About a third of the people who have Hepatitis B have NO SYMPTOMS.

Symptoms, when present, can include:

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin, eyes and mucous membranes)

• Fatigue

• Muscle and joint pain

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea or vomiting

• Fever

• Malaise (depression)

• Elevated liver enzymes.

How it’s spread
The type of hepatitis most likely to be sexually transmitted is hepatitis B (HBV). It is spread through semen, vaginal fluids, saliva, blood, and urine.An infected mother can also transmit HBV to the fetus during birth.

How it’s treated
Treatment for hepatitis B vary, depending on whether the infection is acute (the infection is new) or chronic (the infection is maintained over time).

There is no specific treatment for acute HBV infection. Chronic infections are treated with antiviral drugs.

How it’s prevented
Getting vaccinated against HBV is the best protection.

Being in a monogamous relationship with a partner who you KNOW to be uninfected or immune.

Condom use may reduce the risk of transmission.

Avoid use of injected drugs and never share needles, syringes, or water.

Don’t share personal items like toothbrushes or razors.

What it does
Chronic infection can lead to life-threatening liver damage or cancer. 15-25% of chronically infected people die from liver disease.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

What it is
Hepatitis C: is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is found in the blood of persons who have the disease. HCV is spread by contact with the blood of an infected person.In most cases, the virus does not go away on its own and becomes chronic (long-term). The majority of chronically infected people develop chronic liver disease.

Most infected people have no symptoms. Symptoms when they appear can include:

• Jaundice

• Fatigue

• Darkened urine

• Abdominal pain

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea

A blood test is usually required to detect HVC.

How it’s spread
HCV is spread through contact with infected human blood or some bodily fluids. There are several ways this can happen:

• Sharing needles

• Receiving blood, blood products, or organs from an infected donor

• Using unsanitary medical equipment or supplies

• Sharing personal items like razors or toothbrushes with an infected person

• In rare cases, unprotected sex with an infected person

How it’s treated
A combination of drugs can get rid of the virus in most cases.

How it’s prevented
Unlike hepatitis A and hepatitis B, there is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C. There are other ways to prevent it, though:

• Avoid use of injected drugs and never share needles, syringes, or water.

• Don’t share personal items like toothbrushes or razors.

• If you are a health care worker, always follow safety precautions and handle needles and other sharp instruments carefully.

• Spread of HVC through sex is rare, but condom use may reduce the risk of transmission if you are having sex with more than one steady partner.

What it does
Chronic HCV infection can cause liver disease and damage, including cancer.

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