What Is Hepatitis? So dangerous?
- From: Thoysan@xxxxxxxxx
- Date: 26 Jul 2005 20:51:52 -0700
From: http://www.pegasys.com/basics/what.asp
What Is Hepatitis?
Generally speaking, hepatitis is any inflammation of the liver.
Although it is often caused by a virus, other causes may include
alcohol, medications that have a harmful effect on the liver, toxins,
or autoimmune disorders.
In total, there are at least 7 known viral hepatitis strains: A, B, C,
D, E, F, and G. Of these viral forms, hepatitis C may be the leading
infectious cause of chronic liver disease in the Western world,
affecting more than 170 million people worldwide. Hepatitis A, which is
not blood-borne, and hepatitis B, which is blood-borne, are also very
widespread. Only these viral forms of hepatitis, including hepatitis C,
can be spread directly from one person to another.
Examples of nonviral forms of hepatitis include alcoholic hepatitis
(caused by excessive drinking), toxic/drug-induced hepatitis (caused by
inhaling or swallowing certain toxins or medications such as
acetaminophen), and autoimmune hepatitis (which occurs when the
body's immune system attacks its own liver cells).
To learn about hepatitis C, including its causes, how it develops, and
how to prevent its spread, see What Is Hepatitis C?
To learn more about hepatitis A, click here.
To learn more about hepatitis B, click here.
You may also want to visit Role of the Liver to learn more about the
liver and how hepatitis affects this organ.
About Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A, often abbreviated as HAV (hepatitis A virus), is extremely
prevalent (widespread) in the U.S. population. In fact, 1 out of 3
Americans has been infected at some point. However, most people who are
infected with hepatitis A recover completely without treatment and,
once the infection has subsided, develop lifelong immunity to the
disease.
Hepatitis A is transmitted primarily by the fecal-to-oral route through
contaminated food or water, or because of poor hygiene habits.
Hepatitis A can also be contracted by eating shellfish from
contaminated water sources. In the United States, people who live in
communities with high rates of hepatitis A infection are considered at
risk for contracting the disease.
People who are infected with hepatitis A generally develop flu-like
symptoms, such as low-grade fever, aches, and mild abdominal pain
within 10 to 40 days after exposure. In some individuals, these
flu-like symptoms can be followed by jaundice (a yellowing of the eyes
and skin). Hepatitis A is an acute condition and most people clear the
virus on their own without treatment. However, in fewer than 1% of
cases, severe acute infections may lead to liver failure and to a need
for liver transplantation. Hepatitis A does not lead to the development
of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.
A vaccine is available to protect against hepatitis A. It is
recommended for anyone who may be going to an area where there are
increased rates of hepatitis A, including Mexico, Central America,
Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. The vaccine is
also recommended for people who might become seriously ill if they are
infected with the virus.
Hepatitis A can be avoided by washing hands with warm water and soap,
particularly after using the toilet or changing diapers, and before
preparing and eating food. Good hygiene practices are particularly
important for anyone who works with food.
For more information about hepatitis A, including risk factors and
prevention, see the Support Library section.
About Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B, often abbreviated as HBV (hepatitis B virus), is
transmitted through blood or blood products, through sexual contact, or
from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth.
In the United States, an estimated 1.25 million people are infected
with hepatitis B. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), about 30% of people who are infected with HBV do not
have any symptoms of the disease. Others may experience flu-like
symptoms, including low-grade fever, aches, and mild abdominal pain.
Although individuals with healthy immune systems usually recover from
HBV after about 6 months, 5% to 10% of those who are infected develop
the chronic (long-term) form of the disease. Often those with long-term
infection have no symptoms, or they may suffer from fatigue, malaise,
and periods of jaundice. If left untreated, these individuals may be at
risk for serious complications of liver damage such as cirrhosis, liver
failure, or liver cancer.
A highly effective vaccine has been developed to help protect against
hepatitis B. Currently, the CDC is supporting a universal childhood
vaccination program with the goal of eliminating the spread of
hepatitis B altogether. In addition, the vaccine is recommended for
adults who are at a higher risk for contracting hepatitis B due to
their occupations (eg, healthcare workers and emergency medical
personnel), lifestyle choices, or health conditions.
Hepatitis B can be prevented by carefully cleaning up blood and blood
products, practicing safe sex, and not sharing needles, razors, or
other personal care items (such as toothbrushes and nail clippers) that
might come into contact with blood. To help prevent mother-to-child
transmission, all pregnant women should be tested for the hepatitis B
virus. Newborns of mothers who test positive can be vaccinated against
the condition and receive other precautionary treatments.
For more information on hepatitis B and risk factors, see the Support
Library.
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