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What Are The Different Strains of Hepatitis Occurring Around The World?
Hepatitis A Hepatitis A is a viral liver infection that is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). HAV is diagnosed when the stool or blood of people who have been infected is examined. It is spread through contaminated food, drink, or through close contact with an infected person. The symptoms of HAV can last up to two months and include fatigue, nausea, stomach pain, and jaundice. The best way to prevent hepatitis A is to get vaccinated. Hepatitis B Hepatitis B is a viral liver infection that is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is spread when blood, semen, or other bodily fluids from an infected person enters the body of someone who is not infected. In the early stage of the disease, people may not experience symptoms, but for those that do, symptoms can include fatigue, poor appetite, stomach pain, nausea, and jaundice. The risk of chronic Hepatitis B infection depends on the age a person becomes infected with it. While about 90% of infants with hepatitis B go on to develop chronic infection, which can lead to serious complications like cirrhosis or liver cancer, only 2 to 6% of adults who get hepatitis B become chronically infected. The best way to prevent hepatitis A is to get vaccinated.Sign up to the Connect Nigeria daily newsletter
Hepatitis C Hepatitis C is a viral liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is spread through contact with blood from an infected person. A person who is not infected with hepatitis C can get it by sharing needles or other equipment used to prepare and inject drugs. While HCV is a short-term illness for some people, it becomes a long-term, chronic infection for most people who contact it. Chronic hepatitis C can lead to serious, even life-threatening health problems like cirrhosis and liver cancer. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C. The best way to prevent it is by avoid sharing sharp objects, especially when it comes to injecting drugs. Hepatitis C is treatable in 8 to 12 weeks, so it is important to get tested. Hepatitis D Hepatitis D, also known as “delta hepatitis”, is a viral liver infection caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV). Hepatitis D only occurs in people who are already infected with the hepatitis B virus. It is spread when blood or other fluids from an infected person enters the body of an uninfected person. While hepatitis D can be a short-term illness for some people, it can become a chronic long-term infection for others. There is no vaccine for hepatitis B. However, getting vaccinated for hepatitis B can protect against future hepatitis D. Hepatitis E Hepatitis E is a viral liver infection caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV). HEV IS diagnosed when the stool of an infected person is examined. It is spread when a person ingests the virus – even in microscopic amounts. HEV is common in developing countries, where some people drink contaminated water. Symptoms of hepatitis E can include fatigue, poor appetite, stomach pain, nausea, and jaundice. However, symptoms are not present in most people with hepatitis E, especially young children. Hepatitis E rarely becomes chronic for most people except in cases where a person has a compromised immune system. There is currently no available vaccine for hepatitis E in Nigeria The theme for this year’s World Hepatitis Day is “Hepatitis-free future”. Sources: Cdc.gov WHO Featured Image Source: Freshers Live
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