Either there is no description is available for this document's image or an image has not been uploaded.Protect Self From Hepatitis Infections L Mensah

It's a good thing to learn some facts about hepatitis infections and illnesses.

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver, the viruses usually attack the liver and threatens your liver's ability to function.

If left untreated it can lead to a more serious problem like liver failure, cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Types of Hepatitis: The genetic makeup of the hepatitis virus reveals five different types known as A, B, C, D and E. The most common types are A, B and C however, hepatitis B and C pose the greater risks.

Hepatitis B infections can be either acute or chronic while hepatitis C tends to be chronic. As well it is possible to be infected with both hepatitis B and C at the same time.

Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is spread by sexual contact, or the transfer of blood or serum through shared needles by drug users, or accidental needle sticks with contaminated and infected blood. In addition.

 An infection can happen in cases of blood transfusions, hemodialysis and from infected mothers to their newborns.  You can also be put you at risk or contract hepatitis if unsanitary conditions exist in tattooing and body piercing. 

In general, if you have chronic hepatitis B infection you can infect others as long as you remain infected.

Hepatitis C: Hepatitis C is spread through coming into contact with infected blood usually through sharing contaminated needles used for injected drugs. Hepatitis C is less often or rarely transmitted through sexual contact or the birth to a mother with the hepatitis C virus or a needle stick injury.

You can, however, infect others if you have hepatitis C and both hepatitis B and C put you at risk for developing liver damage, cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer.

Hepatitis Symptoms: The varied types of hepatitis present similar symptoms. Such symptoms may include fever, joint pain, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, abdominal pain.

In addition, jaundice or yellowing of the skin is also possible as well as bowel movements that appear pale in colour. Many persons who are infected often do not know that they have the virus.

And they can live for years without presenting any obvious symptoms until the disease makes inroads on the liver.

What You Can Do:

  1. Get tested, there is a blood screening test that can tell if you have hepatitis antibodies in your bloodstream.There is also another blood test that will let you know whether you have an acute or chronic hepatitis infection.
  2. Take precautions to prevent contact with other peoples blood.
  3. Have your liver function checked regularly if youre already infected with hepatitis.
  4. Consider being vaccinated against hepatitis if youre at risk of being exposed to other peoples blood.
  5. Avoid sharing items or personal materials that might be contaminated with blood.
  6. Practise safer sex. 
  7. Change behaviours that increase your risk so that you can protect yourself from infection.
  8. Learn more about this condition, be aware and informed.

Treatment Options: Treatment is designed to protect your liver or to provide greater comfort. Protecting your liver from damage is essential to treating the condition so avoiding alcohol is generally prescribed.

There is a vaccine to prevent hepatitis B and there are antiviral drugs for either hepatitis B or C. For hepatitis C, a combination of drugs can help clear the virus from your system.