Health Focus: Hepatitis
by Arika Tenbrook, Public Health Registered Nurse
Hepatitis is a virus that causes liver inflammation. There are five kinds of viral hepatitis: A, B, C, D, and E. Hepatitis D only affects people who have hepatitis B. Hepatitis E mostly affects areas without clean drinking water, and is uncommon in the US.
Both Hep B and C can become chronic (ongoing) infections. Chronic hepatitis infections can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and death. Hepatitis A does not become a chronic infection, but can cause liver damage and death, usually in people over 65.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is spread by the fecal oral route, usually a result of poor hand hygiene. You can contract Hepatitis A from contaminated food, water, or by close contact with an infected person. Hep A can be prevented by getting vaccinated.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B spreads through sexual contact, needle sharing, accidental needlesticks, and from mother to child during pregnancy. Hep B can be prevented with vaccination.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C spreads through contact with blood and body fluids. Some people contracted Hep C from blood transfusions or organ transplants prior to 1992. There is no vaccination for Hep C, but more than 95% of cases can be cured with oral medication. If you have hepatitis C, ask your doctor about treatment.
Symptoms of Hepatitis
People may or may not experience symptoms with hepatitis infections. Symptoms include:
- General unwell feeling (malaise)
- Abdominal tenderness especially in the right upper quadrant
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin or whites of the eyes)
- Dark-colored urine
- Pale or clay colored stool
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal swelling related to fluid in the abdomen
- Bleeding or bruising easily
- Confusion, drowsiness, and slurred speech (hepatic encephalopathy)
Protect Yourselves from Risks
Certain occupations have an increased risk of contracting hepatitis; healthcare workers, wastewater technicians, tattoo artists, and any other occupation that requires the handling of human waste, body fluids, and/or sharps. If you work in one of these fields, it is important to get vaccinated, even if you do not engage in other high-risk behaviors.
The best way to prevent hepatitis infection is to get vaccinated and take proper precautions when interacting with blood and body fluids.
