What is Viral Hepatitis?
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Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver tissue that can be caused by infectious agents (i.e., viruses) and non-infectious agents (i.e., drugs or chemical products). While some individuals remain asymptomatic, others may experience symptoms such as jaundice, which is yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, along with other signs. Acute hepatitis B and C can last for less than six months but may progress to chronic hepatitis. If left untreated, chronic hepatitis B and C may lead to severe complications, including cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. It is estimated that 4.4 million Americans are living with chronic hepatitis, but most do not know that they are infected.
Signs & Symptoms
Some individuals may be asymptomatic. Symptoms of all types of viral hepatitis can include one or more of the following:
- Dark urine or clay-colored stools
- Diarrhea (Hepatitis A only)
- Tiredness
- Fever
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Joint pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Different Types of Hepatitis and How to Protect Yourself
Types
| How it is spread | Who is at risk? | Vaccine? |
Hepatitis A
| Ingestion of contaminated food and water and close personal contact with an infected person.
| - International travelers
- Men who have sex with men
- People who use or inject drugs
- Individuals with chronic liver disease
- People living with HIV/AIDS
- Pregnant women
- Healthcare and public safety workers
| 2-3 doses depending on the vaccination type.*
|
Hepatitis B
| Contaminated bodily fluids such as blood, semen, and vaginal secretions. Perinatal transmission from mother to baby.
| - Healthcare and public safety workers
- Men who have sex with men
- Sexually active individuals
- People who use or inject drugs
- Individuals with chronic liver disease
- People living with HIV/AIDS
- Incarcerated individuals
- People who receive hemodialysis or blood transfusions
- Pregnant women
- Infants born to infected mothers
| Adult vaccination occurs in 3 doses.**
Infant vaccination involves 3-4 doses depending on vaccine type and birthweight. **
|
| Hepatitis C | Contaminated blood such as needle sharing, drug paraphernalia, and blood transfusions.
| - Healthcare and public safety workers
- Men who have sex with men
- Individuals who partake in anal sex
- People who use or inject drugs
- Recipients of blood transfusions or organ transplants
- People with living with HIV/AIDS
- Incarcerated individuals
- Tattoos or piercings in non-sterile settings
| There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C.
|
