STI/STD
Viral Hepatitis
What is Viral Hepatitis?
Viral Hepatitis
There is Hepatitis A,B and C.
Hepatitis A is more clam and is less likely to get too serious.
Then when you get to Hepatitis B and C you only have a short amount of time till It get really serious.
Hepatitis A
The virus does not cause the Chronic infection.
This virus can be transferred by sexual activity including oral rectal contact.
Vaccination can prevent the infection.
Hepatitis B
HBV is a virus that can cause serious liver disease which can lead to permanent liver scarring (cirrhosis), liver failure and even death.
This terrible virus can spread both by heterosexual and even by homosexual contact.
The contact of body floods like blood can also cause Hepatitis B (so sharing needles, getting tattoes and piercing can make the chances of getting HBV greater).
If you have Hepatitis B during delivery of a child (you were pregnant with your child) it is likely your child will get it too.
Don't worry this virus can be prevented through vaccination.
Hepatitis C
This virus is more common to become silent Chronic infection that leads to liver scarring (cirrhosis), cancer, liver failure and even death.
Hepatitis C is commonly transmitted by sharing needles or contact with infected blood.
However it can spread through sexual contact, from mother during pregnancy and in a delivery of a child.
The worse part is that there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C and treatments are not always helpful (treatments don't work for everyone).
Signs and Symtoms
Hepatitis A
Some people might get fatigue, Nausea and vomiting.
Abdorminal pain or discomfort especially in the area of your liver on your right side beneath your lower ribs is another sign that you might have HAV.
You can also get clay-coloured bowed movements, loss appetite and low-grade fever.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B usually causes yellowing of skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice).
You may also have Abdominal pain, dark urine, fever , joint pain or loss of appetite.
Nausea and vomiting is another sign that can tell you if you might have HBV.
Some people become weak and even fatigue because of HBV.
If your not sure if you have Hepatitis B then you can ask your doctor.
Hepatitis C
One reason HCV is so horrible is because you can die from it without even knowing you had it.
80% of the people who get HCV don't know they have it since it is more common to have no visible symptoms.
If your lucky enough you will get some kind of Symtom telling you that you have HCV after you have been infected with this dangerous virus.
After you have been infected you might develop a strong fever, a great feeling of being tired and a poor appetite.
Only 20% to 30% of the people who develop it might get a yellowing in your eyes, pain in stomach, yellowing in skin, abnormalities in urine, bowel movements, joint pain, muscle pain, nausea or vomiting.
Most people realize they have HCV two weeks to ten years after they have been infected.
This virus is most serious after you start to notice that you have been infected.
Since HAV, HBV and HCV Symtoms are so a like you first need to check with you doctor before trying to treat it.
Most likely you will need to have a blood test to see if you have it.
Treatments
HAV
Well at least not yet.
Your body will take care of the virus on its own, but you should make sure you get a lot of rest (people with HAV feel sick and with less energy.
HBV
There are several kinds of Antiviral medication you can take like Lamivudine, adefovir, telbivudine and entecavir.
These treatments help fight the virus and slow the damage the virus makes.
HCV
You can also have a liver transplant.
What ever medication you take be aware that it does not work for everyone.
Make sure to check with your doctor before doing any treatments.
Websites used
Mayo clinic.org
Healthline.com
Barlog.com
Virology.wise.edu
Prn.org
Hepmag.com