Hepatitis is a viral infection which causes inflammatory of the liver. Ancient Greek word hepat which means liver and the Latin word itis that means inflammation.
There are five types of hepatitis.
- Hepatitis A (HAV)
- Hepatitis B (HBV)
- Hepatitis C (HCV)
- Hepatitis D (HDV)
- Hepatitis E (HEV)
Hepatitis B, C, and D are usually transmitted by blood or blood products, invasive medical procedures which used contaminated equipment, transmission from mother to baby at birth, from family member to child and by sexual contact.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A virus is usually present in the faeces of infected persons and is transmitted by contaminated food or water. Anal/oral contact during sex can also be a cause of hepatitis A. Most people make a full recovery and do not lead to chronic disease.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a sexually transmitted disease which is caused by the virus HBV. It is usually spread by contact with infected blood, semen and some other body fluids. It be infected by Being bitten by an infected person, Transfusions of HBV-contaminated blood and blood products, Use of contaminated injections during medical procedures, Sharing personal items such as razor with an infected person, Brest feeding from a infected mother to a baby.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is spread by direct contact with the blood of an infected person. But unlike in persons with Hepatitis B, liver cancer is only increased in people with cirrhosis and only few Hepatitis C patients get cirrhosis. This is because their liver swells and become damaged.
Hepatitis D
Hepatitis D occurs only to patients who are infected with HBV. The combination of HBV and HDV infection result to a more serious disease with a worse outcome. Though Hepatitis B vaccine can provide protection for Hepatitis D, infection can still come through contact with infected blood, unprotected sex and perforation of the skin with infected needles.
Hepatitis E
Hepatitis E is transmitted through consumption of contaminated water or food like Hepatitis A. Although an infected person’s liver swells, there is no long term consequence for it.
Common symptoms of Hepatitis
Here are the most common symptoms of hepatitis
Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Mild fever
Muscle or joint aches
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Weight loss
