Hepatitis is irritation (swelling) of the liver, which performs essential jobs resembling filtering your blood and preventing infections. Hepatitis may be brought on by viruses in addition to heavy alcohol use, sure toxins, some drugs and sure medical circumstances.
The three most typical kinds of hepatitis in america are A, B and C. All 3 are brought on by a virus.
Signs of hepatitis A, B and C are related. They embody:
- Tiredness
- Fever
- Lack of urge for food
- Upset abdomen/throwing up
- Darkish-colored pee
- Mild-colored poop
- Abdomen ache
- Jaundice (yellowing of the pores and skin and eyes)
Many individuals with viral hepatitis by no means have signs.
Hepatitis A:
- Is very contagious
- Spreads when an individual eats or drinks meals contaminated by the virus, or has shut contact with an contaminated particular person
- Doesn’t often trigger long-term liver issues
- Normally goes away after a number of weeks
- Could cause liver failure or demise in uncommon instances
- Is preventable with a vaccine
Who ought to get the hepatitis A vaccine?
- Youngsters ages 12-23 months (or as much as age 18 if not beforehand vaccinated)
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Individuals at greater danger, together with:
- These with liver issues or HIV
- Worldwide vacationers
- IV drug customers
- Intercourse companions of individuals with hepatitis A
- Males who’ve intercourse with males
Hepatitis B:
- Spreads by means of sexual contact, direct contact with the blood or open sores of an contaminated particular person, sharing needles, or from mom to youngster at delivery
- Could be a short-term (acute) or long-term (persistent) an infection, relying totally on age — it is more likely to be persistent in infants than adults
- Can result in liver illness, liver failure and demise when persistent
- Can’t be cured, however may be managed with remedy
- Is preventable with a vaccine
Who ought to get the hepatitis B vaccine?
- All infants
- Unvaccinated children below age 19
- Adults ages 19 to 59
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Adults over 60 who’re at greater danger, together with:
- IV drug customers
- Healthcare staff
- Individuals who dwell with somebody who has hepatitis B
- People who find themselves on dialysis
- Intercourse companions of individuals with hepatitis B
- Males who’ve intercourse with males
⚠️ An estimated 68% of individuals with persistent hepatitis B don’t know they’re contaminated.
Hepatitis C
- Spreads by means of IV drug use and from mom to youngster at delivery
- Is widespread amongst folks with HIV who additionally inject medicine
- Typically has no signs
- Causes a persistent an infection that may trigger critical well being issues, and even demise
- Curable with drugs known as direct-acting antivirals (DAAs)
- Is detectable with a easy blood check
- Isn’t preventable (no vaccine exists)
The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) recommends hepatitis C screening for all adults and pregnant girls throughout every being pregnant.
Who ought to get examined for hepatitis C?
- Common screening is beneficial for all adults ages 18 to 79 and pregnant girls throughout every preganncy
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One-time testing is beneficial for the next teams:
- Individuals with HIV
- Individuals with sure medical circumstances, together with those that have obtained hemodialysis
- IV drug customers (previous or present)
- Individuals with liver issues
- Healthcare personnel who could have been uncovered
- Individuals who have gotten transfusions or organ transplants
- Youngsters born to moms with hepatitis C
- Routine testing is beneficial for folks with ongoing danger elements
Questions on viral hepatitis? Attain out to your healthcare supplier or native public well being clinic.
This useful resource was created with assist from Merck.
