Are You at Risk of Getting Hepatitis?

By Lois Thomson

Hepatitis is a disease of the liver caused by a virus, and the five kinds are simply known as A, B, C, D, and E.

Hepatitis A usually goes away on its own with no serious problems. Hepatitis B is highly preventable, and about 95 percent of adults who are exposed can completely recover within 6 months without medication. Hepatitis C is the leading cause of liver failure and end-stage liver disease, and is a major cause of liver transplants in the United States. Hepatitis D occurs only among people who are infected with the Hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis E is mainly found in Africa, Asia and South America.

Hepatitis A, B, and C are contagious, but each one is spread differently. Type A will most likely come from contaminated food or water, or from close contact with a person or object that's infected.

The virus is found in blood and certain body fluids, and hepatitis B is spread when a person comes in contact with blood or body fluid from an infected person. This can happen by having sex with someone who is infected; sharing needles or other equipment when using drugs or if getting tattoos; or even from an infected mother giving birth to her baby. Hepatitis C is spread in similar ways, but getting it from sex isn't as common.

Symptoms

Symptoms of hepatitis include sudden nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; pain or bloating in the stomach area; dark urine or gray-colored stool; unusual tiredness or weakness; low-grade fever; intense itching; loss of appetite; jaundice; low-grade fever; joint pain; or weight loss.

Prevent infection

To prevent infection, those who have not been previously vaccinated should be vaccinated against hepatitis A and hepatitis B. There are no vaccines against hepatitis C, D and E, and there are no cures for hepatitis once it happens. Most cases of acute hepatitis will resolve themselves over time. If a person contracts the virus, medicines are available that can help fight it and slow its ability to damage the liver. Treatment focuses on preventing further damage, possibly reversing existing damage, and relieving symptoms.