Today is World Hepatitis Day—which serves as a perfect opportunity to bring awareness about this virus. Hepatitis causes 1.34 million deaths per year, and causes two in every three liver cancer deaths. Further, 300 million people are living with viral hepatitis and are unaware of it. Though this disease can have serious complications, it’s important to catch it early and be aware of the symptoms and risk. Read more about this disease and how you can prevent you and your family from becoming infected.
What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis, also known as viral hepatitis, is an inflammation of the liver. Since your liver is a vital organ, hepatitis can pose a serious health risks, like liver cancer, if not caught early. Though there is no cure for hepatitis, it can be managed in most cases with recurring medication.
Who’s at Risk?
You may be at risk of hepatitis with any of the following:
- Live with or have sex with an infected individual
- Travel overseas
- Use illegal drugs
Additionally, the following individuals could be at risk:
- Men who have sex with men
- Kids in any child care or schools
If you are in any of the above situations, it’s important to stay safe with vaccinations if available and with proper contraceptives, like condoms, if engaging in sexual intercourse.
The Types of Hepatitis
There are numerous strains of hepatitis that are marked with a letter of the alphabet. Each strain carries its own unique challenges and health procedures. Below is a basic overview of each strain.
it is important to note that some people do not get symptoms when they have this particular strain of the virus. So, it’s necessary to get checked up by one of our health care providers or your primary physician if you believe you may have it.
Symptoms:
- Jaundice (yellow eyes and skin)
- Belly pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
How it’s transmitted: This type of strain can be caught if you drink water or eat food that’s been contaminated with an infected person’s stool. It also can be caught by swallowing contaminated ice, eating raw shellfish harvested from contaminated water.
What you need to do: A blood test is needed to diagnose the virus. If infection is found within 2 weeks after coming in contact, then a medication called immune globulin will be prescribed. Luckily, in some cases there aren’t any long-term problems. However, it is possible that some patients will have symptoms that will last a lifetime or flare up every 6 to 9 months. In extreme cases, hepatitis A could lead to liver failure. So, it’s important to get tested to make sure your liver is functioning properly.
Who’s at Risk:
- Travelers who travel overseas where the strain is prevalent
- Men who engage in sexual activity with other men
- Engaging in sexual activity with an infected partner
- Those who inject illegal drugs
- Those with long-term liver disease
How to prevent it: There is a vaccination available for this strain. You can visit our Community Health Center for more information.
This particular strain is capable of causing scarring, liver failure or cancer. So, it is extremely important to see a medical professional if you believe you may have it.
Symptoms:
- Jaundice (yellow eyes or skin)
- Fever
- Persisting fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Belly pain
- Light-colored stool
How it’s transmitted: This type of strain is can be caught if you come in contact with the blood or open sores of someone infected.
What you need to do if you have it: If you suspect you have this strain, a doctor will need to do a blood test within the first two weeks of contamination. If you are diagnosed, you will receive a medication called Immune Globulin. In most cases this strain doesn’t last long and your body will become immune to it overtime. From there, a doctor will need to conduct a physical exam and blood test to check your immune system.
Who’s at Risk: In some cases individuals aren’t able to ward off the infection within 6 months. Those individuals are known as carriers. That means they pass the virus through:
- Unprotected sex
- Blood or open sores
- Contaminated syringes
Additionally, pregnant women with the virus can pass it through to their babies. It’s important to visit a doctor for treatment options.
How to prevent it: The best way to prevent this strain from spreading:
- Get vaccinated
- Use contraceptives, like condoms, when engaging in sexual intercourse
- Wear gloves when coming in contact with used bandages, tampons or linens
- Cover any open cuts or wounds
- Don’t share razors, toothbrushes, earrings or nail care tools
- Avoid contaminated needles; ensure that all needles for tattoos, drugs, ear piercings or nail care tools are sanitized
- If you find blood, be sure to clean it up with bleach.
This strain is commonly undetected because it causes very few symptoms. Additionally, hepatitis C can take a variety of forms which require different treatment methods for each.
Symptoms:
- Jaundice (yellow eyes and skin)
- Belly pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Fatigue
How it’s transmitted: This strain is spread by coming in contact with the blood and body fluids an infected person.
What you need to do if you have it: You will need a blood test to diagnose Hepatitis C. From there, a doctor may prescribe you a pill regimen.
Who’s at risk: You are at risk for this strain from any of the following activities:
- Engaging in unprotected sex
- Using a contaminated needle or syringe
Additionally, pregnant women with the virus can pass it through to their babies. It’s important to visit a doctor for treatment options.
How to prevent it: The best way to prevent hepatitis C:
- Get vaccinated
- Use contraceptive, like condoms, when engaging in sexual intercourse
- Avoid contaminated needles; ensure that all needles for tattoos, drugs, ear piercings or nail care tools are sanitized
Community Care For All Your Needs
Whether you suspect you may have come in contact with any strains of hepatitis, it’s important to visit our Community Health Center right away. Our healthcare providers offer judgement-free care and resources to help you no matter the diagnosis. You can schedule an appointment or simply walk-in!