Understanding Hepatitis: Types, Symptoms, and Prevention
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is an acute infectious disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. It can sometimes be subclinical (without noticeable symptoms). Transmission is highly contagious and occurs through the fecal-oral route, either directly from person to person or through contaminated food and water. Symptoms typically appear about 30 days after infection.
Symptoms: Sudden onset of fever, fatigue, malaise, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, nausea, and vomiting. Diarrhea may also occur. Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) is more common in adults (60%) than in children (25%) and usually disappears within two to four weeks.
Treatment: There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing transmission to others. Improved hygiene and sanitary conditions, along with vaccination, can prevent infection. Hepatitis A is sometimes referred to as “traveler’s hepatitis.” The incubation period is 30 days.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood, contaminated needles and sharps, tattoo inks, and sexual intercourse. It’s considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Transmission can also occur through tattoos, piercings, dental procedures, and even hair removal. Symptoms are similar to other viral hepatitis infections, but hepatitis B can become chronic and lead to cirrhosis of the liver.
Prevention: Use condoms during sexual intercourse and avoid using needles or sharps that are not properly sterilized. Single-use disposable items are recommended. Vaccination is available and is given in three intramuscular doses, with a booster every 10 years. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent complications like cirrhosis. The incubation period for hepatitis B is 90 days.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C can be acquired through blood transfusions, tattoos, drug use, piercings, and possibly manicures, although sexual transmission is less common. It’s a major public health concern. Most patients are asymptomatic during the acute phase but may experience symptoms similar to other viral hepatitis infections.
Hepatitis C is dangerous because it can become chronic, leading to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). Prevention involves avoiding non-sterilized needles and sharps. Single-use disposable items and personal manicure tools are recommended. There’s no vaccine for hepatitis C, and it’s a leading cause of liver transplantation. It’s transmitted through blood more easily than HIV.
Diagnosis and Treatment: The anti-HCV test detects current or past infection. A liver biopsy may be needed to assess the extent of the disease and rule out malignancy. Treatment can cure many cases, especially in those under 40, female, with genotypes 2 or 3, without cirrhosis, and weighing less than 85 kg. The incubation period is 45 days.
Hepatitis D
Hepatitis D is caused by an RNA virus that requires hepatitis B to replicate. On its own, it doesn’t cause infection. It’s often found in patients with HIV and is associated with chronic hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Hepatitis E
Hepatitis E is an acute infectious disease that can be subclinical. Transmission occurs through the fecal-oral route via contaminated food and water. Symptoms typically appear about 30 days after infection, and outbreaks are more common after floods.
Symptoms: Similar to other hepatitis infections, including sudden onset of fever, fatigue, malaise, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, nausea, and vomiting. Diarrhea may also occur.
Treatment and Prevention: While generally mild, hepatitis E poses a greater risk to pregnant women, especially in the third trimester, who can develop fulminant hepatitis (rapid liver failure). There’s no specific treatment or vaccine. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and rest. Prevention involves hygienic measures and avoiding food and drinks from street vendors.