As the summer holiday season begins and people are travelling to exotic destinations around the world, the threat of Hepatitis looms high. There are many misconceptions about Hepatitis. Is it another name for jaundice, or is it something far more sinister and life threatening? The answer is – both!
Hepatitis is a swelling and inflammation of the liver. There are six strains of Hepatitis virus, but three of them are the main cause of all Hepatitis infections.
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.
Typical symptoms of all Hepatitis strains include fever, loss of apetite, nausea, abdominal pain, and jaundice (yellowish skin and eyeballs).
The Hepatitis A virus is generally transmitted through bad sanitation. Raw, undercooked, contaminated food, water contaminated by human or animal waste, food prepared without washing hands thoroughly, can all cause Hepatitis A. It can also be transmitted through the stools and blood of a person who has the disease.
A vaccine is available against Hepatitis A. Usually symptoms of Hepatitis A are controlled with medicines for reducing fever and nausea. If the patient has become dehydrated, an rehydration fluid is prescribed. If the dehydration is very severe, an IV drip may be required, and the patient may have to be hospitalised.
Hepatitis B is the most widespread strain of the Hepatitis virus. It spreads through sexual contact or contact with blood and body fluids of patients who have that condition. Many people who contract hepatitis B recover completely and develop immunity to the disease. The greatest danger lies to children born to mothers who have Hepatitis B, as they have a very high possibility of getting chronic Hepatitis B which can severely damage the liver, causing cirrhosis and even liver cancer.
A vaccine is available against hepatitis B. Practising safe sex is one of the best ways to avoid getting Hepatitis B. If a person has been exposed to body fluids of somebody with Hepatitis B, a Hepatitis B immune globulin should be given within seven days of exposure. Medications useed to treat Hepatitis B are Pegylated Interferon which are made from Human proteins, and Nucleotide Analogues (NAs). Pegylated Interferon can cause very unpleasant side effects, so treatment with NAs is generally preferred.
NAs reduce the number of virus in the body. Some preferred NAs include Adefovir, Lamivudine, Telbivudine and Tenofovir.
Hepatitis C is a very dangerous form of Hepatitis caused mainly by intravenous drug injections. However, it can also be transmitted sexually or through tattoo needles or body piercings. Over 85% of people suffering from Hepatitis C will continue to do so for the rest of their lives. They may contract cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer.
There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C. Safe sex practises, avoiding injectible drugs and avoiding needle sharing can help prevent the spread of Hepatitis C. Significant progress has been made in the treatment of Hepatitis C. Combined therapy with Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin is generally used.
If you feel you have the symptoms of Hepatitis, do not panic. With modern medicine, life can still be very full and satisfying.
The appearance of a disease is swift as an arrow; its disappearance slow, like a thread. ~Chinese Proverb

To your good health!