There are 5 kinds of hepatitis viral: A, B, C, D and E. Each one is caused by a different hepatitis virus and is more common than you might think. Worldwide, 354 million people live with hepatitis B or C, and the CDC estimates that about 3 million people will develop new chronic cases of one of these viruses each year.
Although it is certainly a disease that very few are interested in, this article will help you to know how many types of hepatitis there are, how you can contract each one, how they are transmitted to other diseases and what diseases they cause and their treatment. Perhaps until now it has never been close to your life, but each one is worth knowing.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is caused by eating contaminated food and drinking water with a virus called HAV. It can also be caused by anal-oral contact during sexual intercourse. While it can cause swelling and inflammation in the liver, it does not lead to chronic (lifelong) disease.
Almost all people who get hepatitis A recover completely. Exists a hepatitis vaccine What can be administered to children or adults at risk. Practicing good hygiene and washing your hands can also reduce your risk of contracting the hepatitis A virus.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is caused by the HBV virus. is transmitted by contact with blood the semen or other body fluids of an infected person. That is why it is considered a sexually transmitted disease (ETS).
You can get hepatitis B by:
- Having unprotected sex (without using a condom) with an infected person.
- Sharing drug needles (for illegal drugs like heroin and cocaine or legal drugs like vitamins and steroids).
- Getting a tattoo or body piercing with dirty (non-sterile) needles and tools that were used on someone else.
- Being stuck with a needle that has infected blood on it (healthcare workers can get hepatitis B this way).
- Sharing a toothbrush, razor, razor, or other personal items with an infected person.
- An infected woman can pass hepatitis B to her baby at birth or through breast milk.
- Through a bite from another person.
With hepatitis B, the liver is also inflamed. Unfortunately it can be a serious infection that can cause liver damage, which can lead to cancer. Some people cannot get rid of the virus, making the infection chronic or lifelong.
Blood banks test all donated blood for hepatitis B, greatly reducing the risk of contracting the virus through blood transfusions or blood products. There is also a vaccine for hepatitis B, which is recommended for everyone, from babies to adults, to avoid getting the disease.
Hepatitis B can be diagnosed with blood test. The tests look for certain types of hepatitis B antigens and antibodies.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is caused by the HCV virus. It can be serious and is considered to be the type of hepatitis more deadly. In the United States, HCV kills more people than any other type of infectious disease.
Hepatitis C is transmitted in the same way as hepatitis B, through the contact with blood or other body fluids of an infected person. In fact, it can be spread through sex, but this is very rare.
Like hepatitis B, hepatitis C causes inflammation of the liver and can cause liver damage that can lead to cancer. If left untreated, hepatitis C can become a chronic infection, which can lead to scarring of the liver (cirrhosis). However, there are now effective treatments for HCV.
Blood banks also screen all donated blood for hepatitis C, which significantly reduces the risk of transmission from transfusions and blood products. Unfortunately there is no vaccine for hepatitis C.
Hepatitis D
Hepatitis D is caused by the HDV virus and can only be contracted if you are already infected with it. hepatitis B. It is spread through contact with infected blood, dirty needles that have HDV on them, and unprotected sex (without using a condom) with a person infected with HDV.
Like most types, hepatitis D causes inflammation of the liver. Preventing hepatitis B by getting vaccinated and avoiding exposure to blood and body fluids is the best way to prevent the disease.
Hepatitis E
Hepatitis E is caused by the HEV virus. contracted by consuming infected food or water with the virus. It can also be spread through oral-anal contact, but this is not common in Mexico.
It causes inflammation of the liver, but usually does not cause long-term damage. Pregnant or immunocompromised individuals are at increased risk of liver damage. There is no vaccine for this virus, so it is recommended to practice good hygiene and avoid drinking tap water when traveling internationally.
Hepatitis caused by toxins
The most common cause is excess alcohol for a long time. Alcoholic hepatitis is reversible if alcohol is reduced, but it can cause long-term liver damage (cirrhosis).
- Medicines: Some medications can cause liver inflammation as a side effect. (For example, acetaminophen, statins that lower cholesterol levels, and certain antibiotics).
- hemochromatosisan unusual condition in which the body stores too much iron, can cause hepatitis.
- Wilson’s disease: a rare condition in which liver damage is caused by too much copper in the body.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
This is a variety of conditions caused by a buildup of fat in the liver, and can cause hepatitis.
Autoimmune hepatitis
It is usually a type of chronic hepatitis, of longer duration. The body’s own immune system is believed to attack and damage the liver. Treatment consists of medications to suppress this excessive immune response.
Hepatitis symptoms
The warning signs of hepatitis can be subtle or there may be none. When symptoms appear, it is usually only after the disease has progressed. These symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- loss of appetite
- muscle and joint pain
- nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Urticaria (con hepatitis B)
Do you know them?
–
