What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. It is caused by various non-infectious agents and infectious viruses, leading to a variety of health complications, some of which are fatal. Although hepatitis is primarily caused by viral infections, other predisposing factors include heavy alcohol consumption, some medications, and various health conditions. Hepatitis Management is essential to long-term health.
The hepatitis virus has five main strains: types A, B, C, D, and E. Although all these strains cause liver disease, they have different modes of transmission, prevention methods, geographical distribution and differ in severity of illness.
How can I avoid Hepatitis?
Different strains have different modes of transmission and prevention methods. The following practices can reduce your chances of contracting all strains of the disease;
- Getting vaccinations for hepatitis A and B.
- Using protection during sexual intercourse.
- Avoid sharing needles and other sharp personal objects that can transfer blood from one person to another.
- Practice personal hygiene by washing your hands with clean water and soap.
- Avoid personal items and bodily fluids from an infected person.
- Avoid alcoholic drinks if you are vulnerable to viral hepatitis. Alcoholic drinks accelerate the rate of liver damage.
- All pregnant and lactating mothers should be tested for hepatitis B and seek medical attention to minimize the chance of transferring the disease to the unborn and breastfeeding children.
Who is most at risk of contracting Hepatitis?
- People subjected to unscreened blood transfusions, organ donations, and other blood products.
- Emergency responders and health care workers who frequently interact with hepatitis patients.
- Injection drug users
- Unborn and born children from hepatitis-infected mothers.
- Individuals who practice unprotected sex with multiple sexual partners
- People who share razors, toothbrushes, and other personal items with hepatitis patients.
- Kidney disease patients and heavy alcohol users.
How is Hepatitis treated?
The good news is that all strains of hepatitis are treatable but only type A and C are curable. Some strains such as A and B recover on their own with little or no liver damage. In rare cases, type B can cause liver diseases like liver failure, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Most types of hepatitis can be treated through antiviral medications that differ depending on the strain being diagnosed.
If you need help with your Hepatitis Management, contact us today, online or by phone at 202-525-5175. We are here for you!
