Hepatitis A, B and C: More serious than you think

Viral hepatitis is a disease caused by a virus that infects the liver. Hepatitis A, B and C are the most common types and hepatitis D and E are the least common.

Hepatitis B, C and D can lead to severe illness, life-long disease, scarring (cirrhosis) of the liver, liver failure, liver cancer or even death. Hepatitis D occurs only with Hepatitis B.

Hepatitis A Virus (HAV)

More than 125,000 people in the United States get HAV each year. HAV may make you very sick, but it usually goes away within six months.

HAV is spread from person to person by eating or drinking food or water that has HAV in it.

You may be at risk of getting HAV if you:

• travel to a place where food and water are not clean
• share dirty needles
• are a man who has sex with other men
• live in the same house with someone who has HAV
• have children who go to the same day care with someone who has HAV

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)

About 150,000 people in the U.S. get HBV each year. About 1.2 million people in the U.S. have had HBV longer than six months. These people are known as carriers. Carriers need to see a doctor to get follow-up care. Mothers who have HBV can give it to their babies at the time of birth.

HBV is spread from person to person through blood or other bodily fluids.

You may be at risk of getting HBV from a person who has it by:

• coming in contact with their blood or bodily fluids
• having unprotected sex with them
• sharing toothbrushes, razors, nail clippers or needles with them
• sharing ear piercing, body piercing or tattooing equipment with them

Heptatitis C (HCV)

Almost 4 million people have HCV in the U.S. and many are not aware of it. About 75,000 people get HCV each year. Signs of the disease may show up quickly or may take 10-40 years before there are any signs of liver problems.

HCV is spread from person to person through blood.

You may be at risk of getting HCV from a person who has it by:

• coming in contact with their blood
• sharing dirty needles with them
• having received blood, blood products, or organs before 1992
• having unprotected sex with them

People With Signs of Hepatitis May:

• feel tired all the time
• have mild fevers
• have aching muscles or joints
• have an upset stomach
• have stomach pain
• have diarrhea
• throw up a lot
• have jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• have dark urine
• have light-colored stools
• not feel hungry

You cannot always look at someone and tell that she or he has hepatitis. The only way for people to know if they have hepatitis is to get a blood test. Talk to your doctor or nurse about what blood tests to get. Also, ask them if you should get the shots to keep you save from getting HAV and HBV.

How Do You Prevent Getting Hepatitis?

• If you travel, boil or cook your food or water
• wash your hands before handling food
• wash your hands after using the restroom and after diaper changing
• avoid blood and bodily fluids
• practice safe sex
• don't share anything that may have blood on it
• talk to your doctor or nurse about your risk and if blood tests are needed
• talk to your doctor or nurse about shots to prevent hepatitis A and B

 

Disclaimer: The articles and information, while with the best effort to be accurate and up-to-date, may not be. Also, every physician and medical professional holds their own views on certain diagnosis and advice. There truly are no textbook cases. It is always best to consult with your personal physician regarding medical/health related problems. The information is to be used as a general resource and not as a substitute for trained medical advice and/or treatment.