What Everybody Ought to Know About Hepatitis




Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. The liver is the largest gland of the body and can be considered a chemical factory that manufacture, stores, alters and excretes a large number of substances involved in metabolism.
The liver is important in the regulation of glucose and protein metabolism. The liver manufactures and secrete bile, which is a major role in the digestion and absorption of fats in the gastro-intestinal tract. 

There are five main types of hepatitis virus;
Hepatitis A Virus (HAV)
·         It is transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food or through direct contact with an infectious person.
·         It is more prevalent in countries with overcrowding and poor sanitation.
·         Hepatitis A does not cause chronic liver disease and is rarely fatal but can cause acute liver failure.
·         An infected food handler can spread the disease and people can contract it by consuming water or shellfish from sewage-contaminated waters.
·         Effective vaccine available which is the most effective way of fighting to combat the disease.


Hepatitis B Virus (HBV).
·         It is transmitted primarily through blood.
·         It is found in blood, saliva, semen, and vaginal secretions and can be transmitted through break in the skin.
·         HBV is a potentially life-threatening liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. It is a major global health problem.
·         HBV is one of the leading largest cause of liver cancer.
·         HBV vaccine is available.
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
·         HCV is the leading cause of liver transplants and liver cancer.
·         It is transmitted by blood transfusion and sexual contact or sharing of contaminated needles by Intravenous injection.
·         There is no vaccine available for hepatitis C but antiviral medicines can cure HCV.

Hepatitis D Virus (HDV)
·         HDV is a virus that requires hepatitis B virus for its multiplication.
·         It is transmitted in similar way to hepatitis B Virus.
·         HDV can be prevented by Hepatitis B immunization.

Hepatitis E Virus (HEV)
·         The virus is transmitted via the fecal- oral route, principally via contaminated water.
·         A vaccine has been developed but it is not readily available.


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WHO IS AT RISK OF GETTING HEPATITIS?

You are at higher risk if you: 

  •   Share needles to take drugs.
  •  Practice unprotected oral and/or anal sex. 
  •   Have many sex partners. 
  •   Drink significant amounts of alcohol. 
  •   Have poor nutrition.
  •  Work in a hospital or nursing home.Receive long-term kidney dialysis.
  •  Travel to areas with poor sanitation.
PREVENTION OF HEPATITIS VIRUS.      
  • Get the vaccines for hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
  • Use a condom during sex. 
  • Don't share needles to take drugs.  
  • Practice good personal hygiene such as thorough hand-washing with soap and water. 
  • Don't use an infected person's personal items. 
  • Take precautions when getting any tattoos or body piercings. 
  • Take precaution when traveling to areas of the world with poor sanitation. (Make sure to get your vaccines.) 
  •  Drink bottled water when traveling 
  •  Don’t share toothbrushes.  
  • Wash food items properly.

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