Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. Toxins, some medications and certain medical conditions can cause hepatitis. However, hepatitis is often caused by a virus. The most common forms of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, B, and C.
Hepatitis Symptoms
Many people may exhibit only mild or no symptoms at all. However, each form of the virus can cause more severe symptoms.
Symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Mild fever
- Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes
Hepatitis A: Who Is at High Risk?
- People who travel to or live in a country with high infection rates
- People who eat raw foods or drink tap water
- Children who attend daycare centers
Hepatitis B and C: Who Is at Risk?
- Birth to an infected mother
- People contacting the body fluids of an infected person
- People sharing equipment that has been contaminated with blood from an infected person, such as needles, syringes and even medical equipment, such as glucose monitors
- People sharing personal items such as toothbrushes or razors of an infected person
Hepatitis Vaccines
Effective and safe vaccines to prevent hepatitis A and B virus are available. However, there is still no vaccine for hepatitis C. Yet, antiviral medicines can cure more than 95% of persons with hepatitis C infection.
References:
https://www.who.int/health-topics/hepatitis
https://www.webmd.com/hepatitis/ss/slideshow-hepatitis-overview
https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/abc/index.htm