How Does Someone Get Or Spread Viral Hepatitis
Some types of viral hepatitis are spread and contracted in different ways.
Hepatitis A is spread through exposure to HAV in food or water.
Hepatitis B and C are spread through contact with HBV and HCV, respectively, in body fluids, such as blood, vaginal secretions, or semen.
Fast Facts: An infected mother has a high chance of giving hepatitis B to her child during or after birth, so all pregnant women should be tested for hepatitis B during pregnancy.
Hepatitis D is spread through contact with blood containing HDV.
Hepatitis E is spread through exposure to HEV in food or water.
Symptoms Of Hepatitis B
Govind explains that a lot of people who contract hepatitis B do not notice any symptoms, or the symptoms can be mild and, therefore, easy to miss.
But, after weeks or months, hepatitis B can lead to:
- Stomach pains.
- Jaundice.
- Fever.
These symptoms can also last for several weeks and take months to recover from, but 95% of adults do recover fully from hepatitis B and symptoms tend to be mild1.
What Are The Symptoms Of Hepatitis A And B
Not all infected adults will experience symptoms. That means you could contract hepatitis A or B, and spread the viruses to others, without realizing it.
Symptoms of hepatitis A may include*:
Fever
Jaundice
Loss of appetite
Dark urine
Fatigue
* TWINRIX is not indicated to treat the symptoms of, or reduce serious consequences associated with hepatitis A and B.
Possible consequences of hepatitis A.*Hepatitis A infection can have mild to severe consequences on infected individuals that can last from a few weeks to several months.
Chronic hepatitis and carrier states are not linked with hepatitis A infection.
However, relapsing hepatitis, a condition where a person gets worse again after a period of improvement, can last up to a year in 15% of cases.
While most infected people recover, the older you are, the more severe hepatitis A can be.
Approximately 25% of infected adults are hospitalized.
The overall case fatality rate, which is the proportion of deaths among the number of hepatitis A cases, is approximately 0.5%, but can reach 2.6% in adults over 60 years of age.
* TWINRIX is not indicated to treat the symptoms of, or reduce serious consequences associated with hepatitis A and B.
Symptoms of hepatitis B may include*:
Fatigue
Jaundice
Loss of appetite
Dark urine
Clay-coloured stool
* TWINRIX is not indicated to treat the symptoms of, or reduce serious consequences associated with hepatitis A and B.
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Passing On Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B can be passed on in bodily fluids, so via blood-to-blood contact, semen, pre-ejaculate, and vaginal secretions. It can be passed on through oral, vaginal, or anal sex without a condom.
Govind adds that it’s important not to share items such as razors or toothbrushes, as these can have traces of blood on them too.
How Serious Is It
- People can be sick for a few weeks to a few months
- Most recover with no lasting liver damage
- Although very rare, death can occur
- 15%25% of chronically infected people develop chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer
- More than 50% of people who get infected with the hepatitis C virus develop a chronic infection
- 5%-25% of people with chronic hepatitis C develop cirrhosis over 1020 years
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Generalized Symptoms Of Hepatitis A B And C
Even though the viruses present themselves differently, some hepatitis A, B, and C symptoms are all fairly similar. They may include:
- Fever
- Pale, clay-colored stool
Get Yourself Checked By The Experts
The difference in hepatitis A, B, and C is mainly in the treatment and some typical symptoms, and their transmission route and prevention. As mentioned earlier, hepatitis A only causes an acute illness, while hepatitis B and C can become chronic. Additionally, vaccines are available for A and B, which should be administered to children and adults.
Contracting viral hepatitis can lead to liver damage. If you believe youve been exposed to a hepatitis virus through needles, blood, or body contact, get in touch with the experts at AILBS for confirmation and treatment before the virus takes a toll on your Liver.
How Can I Contract Hepatitis B
You can contract hepatitis B by coming into contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person.
Resort activities that may put you at risk for hepatitis B include:
Getting a manicure, pedicure, tattoo, piercing, or acupuncture with improperly sterilized tools
Having sexual contact with an infected partner
Giving first aid to, or receiving it from, an infected person
Receiving a medical or dental procedure with contaminated equipment
Sharing personal grooming items with an infected person
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What Are The Symptoms Of Hepatitis
There are 2 types of Infections from Hepatitis Acute and Chronic.
Acute infections The symptoms in Hepatitis A, B and C are similar and can occur in acute infections. Jaundice , dark coloured urine, pale stools, fever, unexplained prolonged tiredness, poor appetite, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.
Duration of infection may last for approximately up to 6 months. People with acute infections usually recover completely and will form an immunity to Hepatitis.
Chronic infections symptoms may not be presented at first in people who are infected. However, when symptoms appear, it is often a sign of advanced liver disease.
Duration of infection is usually more than 6 months and in some cases if left untreated, may lead to serious complications such as liver damage, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and even death.
The person who carries the Hepatitis virus is also known as a carrier and can spread the disease to others
Who Should Be Vaccinated
HAV does have a vaccination available to prevent the infection from occurring. All children who are 12 to 23 months old, homosexual men, users of street drugs and people who travel to third world countries should have the vaccine. People who have clotting disorders such as hemophilia should also have the vaccine.
HBV also has a vaccination that is available and all infants, children and teens between the ages of 0 to 18 years should be vaccinated. Sexually active people should also be vaccinated and also homosexual men. Health care workers and public safety workers will also need the vaccine.
There is no vaccination for HCV.
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What To Keep In Mind
- The outcome is determined by many factors such as the type of hepatitis a person has, the clinical manifestations, especially how soon the symptoms developed and noticed, and timely treatment.
- Some people dont even know they have hepatitis until dreadful symptoms start to appear such as liver failure.
- Hepatitis A usually resolved within 2 months and no long-term effects can be experienced. In fact, the patient will have a lifelong immunity after recovering from it.
- With hepatitis B, the majority of adults recover within the 90-day period and they have lifelong immunity too.
- The problem is with infants and older children as most of them develop chronic infections leading to severe complications like liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
- More so, the majority of hepatitis C leads to a chronic condition, with at least 5% of people who have it will experience life-threatening complications.
References
What Is Hepatitis D
Hepatitis D, also referred to as the delta hepatitis, is an infection caused by the hepatitis D virus. Delta hepatitis is an incomplete virus that depends on the hepatitis B virus to replicate and spread. This occurs only in people affected by the hepatitis B virus. To prevent delta hepatitis, you need to take the hepatitis B vaccine.
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When Should You Test For Hepatitis B
It takes 4-6 weeks after getting hep B, for hep B to show up in blood tests. There are 3 hep B tests for hep B you should make sure your doctor does all of them. They show if you have hep B, if you are protected against hep B , and if you have ever come into contact with hep B. Getting all three tests is important to help you and our doctor understand your hep B status. Our hep B testing chartcan explain each test.
What Is The Most Common Strain Of Hepatitis And Who Is Most At Risk Of Contracting It
Hepatitis C is the most common strain, with 71 million peopleworldwide suffering from chronic cases. According to Zappas, some 75 percentof people with hepatitis C in the U.S. are baby boomers, born between 1945 and 1965. Additionally, patients with HIV are at higher risk of contracting hepatitis C, the infection occurring in nearly 25 percent of patients who are HIV-positive, and up to 90 percent of HIV-positive injection drug users.
Hepatitis B may be more prevalent among certain demographics, such as in Asian/Pacific Islander populations, Zappas said. Those who engage in regular physical or sexual contact with an infected patient are at higher risk of contracting the infection themselves, since both hepatitis B and C are transmitted via blood and bodily fluids.
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Prevention Of Hepatitis Infection:
Hepatitis infections, in general, are preventable, and some can be prevented through vaccinations. While vaccines are not readily available for all types of hepatitis, you can easily control the infection by altering your lifestyle. Hygiene is the key to prevention. If you are confident that your drinking water and food are not contaminated, you are good to go. Pay attention to personal hygiene, especially if you stay with an infected person. If you are working in the healthcare field, be extra cautious not to touch blood or body fluids without gloves.
What’s The Difference Between Hepatitis A B And C
So, what are the main differences between hepatitis A, B, and C? Let’s summarise …
- Hepatitis A and B can be passed on via bodily fluids, whereas hepatitis C usually only spreads through blood-to-blood contact with an infected person.
- Unlike hepatitis A and B, it can take years for symptoms to present themselves in hepatitis C.
- A vaccine for hepatitis B is typically offered to babies to reduce their risk of contracting the virus.
- Hepatitis C has no immunity, and it is possible to get it again, whereas the risk of becoming infected again is lower with hepatitis A and B.
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How Is It Spread
Hepatitis A is spread when a person ingests fecal mattereven in microscopic amountsfrom contact with objects, food, or drinks contaminated by feces or stool from an infected person.
Hepatitis B is primarily spread when blood, semen, or certain other body fluids- even in microscopic amounts from a person infected with the hepatitis B virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. The hepatitis B virus can also be transmitted from:
- Birth to an infected mother
- Sex with an infected person
- Sharing equipment that has been contaminated with blood from an infected person, such as needles, syringes, and even medical equipment, such as glucose monitors
- Sharing personal items such as toothbrushes or razors
- Poor infection control has resulted in outbreaks in health care facilities
Hepatitis C is spread when blood from a person infected with the Hepatitis C virus even in microscopic amounts enters the body of someone who is not infected. The hepatitis C virus can also be transmitted from:
- Sharing equipment that has been contaminated with blood from an infected person, such as needles and syringes
- Receiving a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992
- Poor infection control has resulted in outbreaks in health care facilities
- Birth to an infected mother
What Is The Difference Between Hepatitis A B And C
Hepatitis is the combination of two words, Hepa or Hepatic means related to the Liver, and itis means infection. There are five main strains of hepatitis, namely, A, B, C, D, and E, with different etiologies. While some are caused by ingestion of contaminated food, some are caused by blood-to-blood or body fluids contact. According to WHO, 354 million people globally live with a hepatitis B or C infection. In the WHO European Region, an estimated 13.3 million people live with chronic hepatitis B and an estimated 15 million people with hepatitis C.
Adding to the alarming stats, as per the CDC , since the outbreaks were first identified in 2016, 37 states have publicly reported 44,241 cases, 27,029 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths as of May 6, 2022.
Even though the prevalence of Hepatitis is high, not many people know about the difference in the strains of Hepatitis viruses and their transmission route. Here, we have highlighted the main differences in hepatitis A, B, and C and how is it caused?
LetsLets begin by talking about,
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How Is It Treated
Hepatitis A is treated using supportive methods. These can include things like rest, fluids, and healthy foods. Medications can also help to ease some symptoms like fever, aches, and pains.
Theres a vaccine available to protect against infection with HAV. This is typically recommended for children as well as for people at an increased risk for contracting the virus.
Also, receiving a single dose of the hepatitis A vaccine may prevent you from becoming ill if youve been exposed to HAV. For it to be effective, the vaccine needs to be given of exposure.
Common Symptoms Of Hav And Hcv
HAV has an incubation period of 15 to 50 days. Most of the time, the symptoms begin around the 28th day. HCV has an incubation period of 14 to 80 days, but the symptoms become noticeable in about 45 days on average.
The symptoms of hepatitis A and C are the same. They include:
- nausea
- joint pain
- yellowing of the skin and eyes, or jaundice
HAV causes an acute infection. The symptoms last a few weeks to a few months, but HAV never becomes chronic.
HCV can also be an acute infection. When it lasts more than six months, doctors consider it to be a chronic condition that can cause serious complications. Over a span of 20 to 30 years, chronic HCV can cause scarring of the liver, or cirrhosis. This makes it hard for your liver to do its job. HCV increases your risk of developing liver cancer or liver failure. The symptoms are generally worse for people who also have HIV.
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How Can I Prevent Hepatitis
You can reduce your risk of contracting hepatitis in a number of ways:
- Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and hepatitis B
- Use a condom during sex
- Dont share needles to take drugs
- Practice good personal hygiene such as thorough hand-washing with soap and water
- Dont use an infected persons personal items
- Take precautions when getting any tattoos or body piercings
- Take precaution when traveling to areas of the world with poor sanitation, including getting vaccinated
- Drink bottled water when traveling
Fast Facts: There are no vaccines available for hepatitis C or D. While there is no vaccine available for hepatitis D specifically, the hepatitis B vaccine will protect you against hepatitis D as well.
Though it may take several months for your liver to heal, it is possible to fully recover from hepatitis. During your recovery, doing things like avoiding alcohol, practicing good nutrition, resting, and staying in regular contact with your doctor can all help speed up your recovery. If you feel you are experiencing worsening symptoms, new symptoms, or questions, contact your healthcare provider right away.
What Is The Difference Between Hepatitis A B C D E
Table Of ContentWhat Is The Difference Between Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E?
Our liver is one of the most important organs of the body to perform major bodily processes. When such a crucial organ undergoes problems like inflammation, the entire system suffers. The term given for inflammation of the liver is known as hepatitis. It is one of the leading causes of death, more deadly than HIV.
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Is Everyone Tested For Both Hepatitis B And C
Hepatitis B
The US Centers for Disease and Control recommends testing for certain high-risk groups for hepatitis B.
- High-risk groups include people not born in the US, men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, and people with hepatitis C, among other groups.
- If you think you have been exposed to hepatitis B, contact your doctor right away. A treatment is available that may reduce your risk of infection if you receive this medicine within 24 hours of exposure to the virus.
Hepatitis C
The CDC recommends that all adults 18 years and older be tested for hepatitis C at least once. Pregnant women should be tested during each pregnancy. Getting tested for hepatitis C is important, because HCV treatments can cure most people in 8 to 12 weeks. If you are at higher risk for HCV, youll need to be tested more frequently.
Treatments for both hepatitis B and hepatitis C are in a class called antivirals, but the medications that are used are different.
Hepatitis And Liver Transplant
Any form of hepatitis can cause liver damage. If the liver becomes severely damaged, a liver transplant is necessary.
With more than 14,000 Americans on the waiting list for a liver transplant, patients often wait years for a transplant. Living donor transplantation allows a transplant to take place before the disease progresses further.
To reduce time on the transplant waiting list, you can choose to find a living donor. During a living-donor liver transplant, the surgeon takes a small part of the donors healthy liver and transplants it into the recipient. This process is possible because of the livers unique ability to regenerate, or regrow.
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