Various Health Topics
ChickenPox/Shingles
Folliculitis
Hepatitis
Insomnia
Molluscum Contagiosum
Mononucleosis
Poison Ivy
Tuberculosis
Hepatitis
What is Hepatitis?
There are five types of hepatitis for which a virus has been identified: type "A" type "B" type "C"
type "D" and type "E." The word hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Other viral agents
such as the mono virus may cause hepatitis although it is usually mild. Side effects of some
medications and alcohol abuse can also cause hepatitis.
How is hepatitis spread?
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Type "A" & "E"
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Spread by a fecal-oral route because the infected person does not wash his (her)
hands thoroughly after having a bowel movement and then contaminates food,
water or eating utensils.
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Type "B"
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Is spread by contaminated needles and syringes. Sexual or close physical contact
with an infected person can also transmit the virus. Hepatitis B virus is carried in
all body secretions of an infected person including blood, saliva, semen, vaginal
secretions and urine. Is spread by occupational exposure to blood, body fluids.
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Type "C"
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Is transmitted through work exposure to blood, blood transfusions, intravenous
drug use, tattooing and piercing and rarely by sexual activity.
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Type "D"
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Transmitted in the same manner as Hepatitis "B." The resulting disease is usually
more severe than Hepatitis "B" alone.
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What is the incubation period of hepatitis?
Incubation period is defined as the length of time from exposure to the disease to the
development of symptoms; remember that most often there are no early symptoms.
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Type "A" & "E"
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2-6 weeks
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Type "B"
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2-6 months
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Type "C"
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2 weeks - 6 months
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Type "D"
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2-8 weeks
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Copyright 2008, The Trustees of Indiana University
Copyright Complaints
What are the symptoms of hepatitis?
Most people with hepatitis have no symptoms.
If symptoms occur, the symptoms vary. Early symptoms of hepatitis resemble those of many
other illnesses. Symptoms can include:
jaundice (yellowing of skin)
nausea
fatigue
abdominal pain
loss of appetite
dark urine
fever
diarrhea
Is there a lab test for Hepatitis?
Yes, there is a specific blood test for each type of hepatitis A, B, C and D, but not for E.
What is chronic hepatitis?
Chronic hepatitis is long-term and occurs when hepatitis "B" or "C" virus continues to reproduce
in a person’s body. The person is infected for many years, often for the rest of their life. Most
chronic carriers of the hepatitis "B" or "C" virus have no symptoms.
How common is chronic hepatitis (long-term)?
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Hepatitis "A"
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No individual with Hepatitis "A" will develop chronic (long-term) infection.
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Hepatitis "B"
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6% of adults with Hepatitis "B" may develop chronic (long- term) infection.
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Hepatitis "C"
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75-85% of individuals with Hepatitis "C" may develop chronic (long-term) infection.
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What is the treatment?
Rest and good nutrition are important for all individuals with hepatitis. Alcohol should not be
consumed during the course of the infection. Specific recommendations are available from a
medical provider regarding nutrition and alcohol consumption.
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Hepatitis "A"
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No specific treatment; immune globulin sometimes prescribed within 2 weeks of exposure
to reduce risk of disease.
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Hepatitis "B"
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Chronic (long-term) hepatitis "B" infection treated with Adefovir dipivoxil, alpha interferon and lamivudine.
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Hepatitis "C"
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Chronic (long-term) hepatitis "C" infection treated with interferon and ribavirin.
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Who should be vaccinated for Hepatitis "A"?
Hepatitis "A" vaccine provides protection before an individual is exposed to the Hepatitis
"A" virus. Hepatitis "A" vaccine is recommended for the following groups and for any person
who wants to obtain immunity.
Persons traveling to or working in countries that have high levels of hepatitis "A"
Children in states, counties and communities where rates of hepatitis "A" are twice the average
Men who have sex with men
Illegal drug users
Persons who have occupational risk for infection (This guideline only includes those who work in a research lab with hepatitis "A" or with virus-infected primates.)
Persons who have chronic liver disease
Persons who have clotting-factor disorders
Who should be vaccinated for Hepatitis "B?"
Hepatitis "B" vaccine provides protection before one is exposed to the Hepatitis "B" virus and is recommended for the following groups and anyone wishing to obtain immunity.
all babies at birth
all children 0-18 years who have not been vaccinated
persons of any age whose behavior puts them at risk for Hepatitis "B"
persons whose job exposes them to human blood
CDC 2003 There is no vaccine available to reduce the risk of Hepatitis C transmission.
What are the long-term effects of hepatitis?
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Hepatitis "A"
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There are no chronic (long-term) Hepatitis "A" infections so most cases are
resolved without any long-term effects.
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Hepatitis "B"
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Most individuals will have complete recovery. Around 5% of adults in North
America will have chronic long-term infection. About one quarter of these
chronically infected persons will develop cirrhosis or liver cancer.
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Hepatitis "C"
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50-80% of individuals with Hepatitis "C" will have a chronic long-term
infection. Of these chronically infected persons about half will develop
cirrhosis or liver cancer.
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Hepatitis "D"
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Coexists only with Hepatitis "B" vaccine. Can become chronic with high
risk of liver disease.
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Copyright 2008, The Trustees of Indiana University
Copyright Complaints
Hepatitis Resources:
Centers for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov
American Social Health Association
1-800-232-2522
http://www.ashastd.org
Hepatitis Foundation International
1-800-891-0707
http://www.hepfi.org
American Liver Foundation
1-888-4hep-ABC
http://www.liverfoundation.org |
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