July 28th marks World Hepatitis Day and we want to explain what hepatitis is and if you may be at risk. Let’s start by first understanding, what is hepatitis? According to the World Health Organization, “Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. The condition can be self-limiting or can progress to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis or liver cancer. Hepatitis viruses are the most common cause of hepatitis in the world but other infections, toxic substances (e.g. alcohol, certain drugs), and autoimmune diseases can also cause hepatitis. There are 5 main hepatitis viruses, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E.”
Understanding the 5 Main Hepatitis Viruses
Hepatitis A (HAV)
Where is it Found: Feces of infected person
How is it Spread: Through contaminated food or water, or exposure to people who are infected with the illness.
Symptoms: Fatigue, sudden nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain or discomfort, especially on the upper right side beneath your lower ribs (by your liver), clay-colored bowel movements, loss of appetite, low-grade fever, dark urine, joint pain, yellowing of the skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice), and/or intense itching.
Is There a Vaccine: Yes, 95% of adults who get a single dose of the vaccine develop protective antibodies, and nearly 100% of adults who receive two doses develop defensive antibodies.
Hepatitis B (HBV)
Where is it found: Transmitted through exposure to infective blood, semen, and other body fluids.
How is it Spread: Sex, sharing of needles or accidental needle sticks, and mothers to infants at the time of birth or from family member to infant in early childhood
Symptoms: Fever, fatigue, muscle or joint pain, loss of appetite, mild to severe nausea and vomiting, stomach pain, pale or light colored stools, dark urine, jaundice, and/or bloated/swollen stomach.
Is There a Vaccine: Yes
Hepatitis C (HCV)
Where is it found: Infected blood
How is it Spread: Transfusions of HCV-contaminated blood and blood products, contaminated injections during medical procedures, and through injection drug use. Sexual transmission is also possible, but is much less common.
Symptoms: Bleeding and/or bruising easily, fatigue, poor appetite, jaundice, dark-colored urine, itchy skin, fluid buildup in your abdomen (ascites), swelling in your legs, weight loss, confusion, drowsiness and slurred speech (hepatic encephalopathy), and/or spiderlike blood vessels on your skin (spider angiomas).
Is There a Vaccine: No
Hepatitis D (HDV)
Where is it found: Infections occur only in those who are infected with HBV.
How is it Spread: Cannot be contracted on it’s own
Symptoms: Jaundice, joint pain, abdominal pain, vomiting, loss of appetite, dark urine and/or fatigue.
Is There a Vaccine: Yes, hepatitis B vaccines provide protection from HDV infection.
Hepatitis E (HEV)
Where is it found: Feces of infected person
How is it Spread: Most often transmitted through consumption of contaminated water or food.
Symptoms: Fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice, dark urine, clay-colored stool, and/or joint pain.
Is There a Vaccine: Yes, but are not widely available.
Risk Factors of Hepatitis
After reading and understanding how the different hepatitis viruses are spread you can decrease your risk by:
• Practicing safe sex
• Never share needles
• Never drink potentially dirty or contaminated water
• Thoroughly and regularly washing your hands
• Consume only clean foods
What If I am Experiencing Symptoms?
If you are experiencing symptoms schedule an appointment with your primary care provider.