Hepatitis
By: Wynona Chotiner
What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. It is caused by a bacterial infection or a toxin that attacks the immune system. The bacteria or toxin can mutate and destroy the liver in Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B.
How is Hepatitis Transmitted?
Hepatitis is transmitted through the feces of infected individuals in Hepatitis A. Hepatitis is transmitted through unprotected sex with a person with the disease in Hepatitis B. Hepatitis in transmitted through blood and/or other body fluids in Hepatitis C.
What are the Symptoms of Hepatitis?
Symptoms of Hepatitis include...
- fever
- yellowing of skin/eyes
- nausea/vomiting
- lack of appetite
How is Hepatitis Diagnosed and how is Hepatitis Treated?
Hepatitis is Diagnosed through a blood test.
To treat Hepatitis doctors recommend staying hydrated and resting until symptoms are gone. You can also take medication for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. However medications for Hepatitis C can usually only be taken by adults. Lately, these treatments have been more effective than previously.
What can Hepatitis do to Someone if Left Untreated?
Hepatitis causes the liver to become swollen/damaged and may cause it to lose it's ability to function properly. The liver can be destroyed and cause patients to need a transplant to survive in Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B.
How does Someone Prevent Hepatitis?
You can get a vaccine/a shot of immune globulin containing antibiotics against the virus to prevent Hepatitis.
Other ways to prevent Hepatitis include...
- do not have unprotected sex
- avoid eating raw shellfish
- do not share toothbrushes or razors