Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It is most often spread through infected food or water but it also spread directly from person to person. This could happen if someone does not wash his or her hands after coming in contact with infected stool, after using the bathroom or changing a dirty diaper. While highly contagious, Hepatitis A rarely causes long-term problems and a Hepatitis A vaccine is also available. Anyone can contract hepatitis A but there are people who are at higher risk including people who inject or use drugs, men who have sex with men, occupational exposure, and people with HIV or chronic liver disease.
Symptoms of Hepatitis A Infection
Symptoms usually appear about 2 to 7 weeks after exposure to the virus but not everyone has symptoms. A blood test can confirm if you have infected with the virus. Possible symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Tiredness and weakness
- Pain in the stomach area
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Itchy skin
- Joint pain
Treat symptoms as you would flu symptoms, including drinking fluids, proper nutrition and getting plenty of rest. If you have severe symptoms, contact your doctor.
Preventing the Spread of Hepatitis A
- Since a vaccine is available, the best way to prevent hepatitis A is through the vaccine.
- Wash your hands often, and always wash your hands after using the bathroom, changing diapers and before preparing food or eating.
- All infants should receive the vaccine between 12-23 months and all children and adolescents age 2-18 who haven’t previously received the vaccine. Pregnant women who are at risk for hepatitis A should also receive the vaccine.
Reference:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2020. Viral Hepatitis. https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hav/afaq.htm#overview
Hepatitis B
Like hepatitis A, hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. It can be spread through blood, semen and other body fluids from an infected person. This can happen if you share needles, through sex with an infected person or during pregnancy and delivery. Many people infected with hepatitis B have a short-term illness but it can become long-term and serious for other people. If you have chronic hepatitis b, this increases your risk of cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer. Vaccination against hepatitis b is the best way to prevent infection. Those who are at higher risk for hepatitis B exposure include people who inject drugs or share needles, men who have sex with men, people who have multiple sex partners, babies born to a mother with hepatitis B and previous HIV or hepatitis C infection.
Hepatitis B can be diagnosed with a blood test, liver ultrasound or a liver biopsy. Your physician will decide which test is the most suitable based on your symptoms and health history.
Symptoms of Hepatitis B infection
- Stomach pain
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Jaundice (yellowed skin or eyes)
- Poor appetite
- Fever
- Dark urine
- Clay-colored stool
Preventing the Spread of Hepatitis B infection
Hepatitis B can be prevented or reduced by never sharing needles, using condoms and avoiding unprotected sex when you don’t know the health history of the person. The CDC recommends hepatitis B vaccine for all adults age 19-59 and adults 60 or older who are at higher risk for infection or who simply want the vaccine for protection.
References
Mayo Clinic. 2022. Hepatitis B. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hepatitis-b/symptoms-causes/syc-20366802
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2023. Hepatitis B. https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/index.htm
Hepatitis C
Like hepatitis A and B, hepatitis C is inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus. Hepatitis C can be acute or chronic and while there is no vaccine, you can prevent or reduce your chances of becoming infected. Acute hepatitis can last up to 6 months but usually leads to a chronic infection. Chronic hepatitis can last a lifetime and serious health issues like cirrhosis, liver damage, liver cancer and even death. The CDC currently recommends testing for all adults, 18 years or older at least once in their lifetime and routine testing is recommended for people with continuing risk factors like IV drug use or sharing needles.
- Hepatitis C is the most common blood borne infection reported in the United States. Most people also aren’t aware of the risk for contracting hepatitis C. Hepatitis C can usually be cured with medications within a few months, reducing the risk of mortality so testing is the initial step in accessing treatment.
- Most people infected with the hepatitis C carry the virus for the rest of their lives. But treatment helps some people get over the infection. Ask your doctor about your options and how likely it is that treatment will work for you. Treatments can include antiviral medications, liver transplant and becoming vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, which make hepatitis C worse.
Symptoms of Hepatitis C Infection
Most people don’t have symptoms so they often don’t know they are sick. Symptoms can include:
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Jaundice (yellowing skin)
- Pain in the abdomen
- Fatigue
- Light colored stool
- Dark urine
- Lack of appetite
Your physician may order an antibody blood test, to test for the virus. They may also order a liver biopsy, where a needle is used to take a small sample of tissue from the liver to check for the virus or an MRE (magnetic resonance elastography). MRE tests for liver stiffness, a sign that the liver is scarred and is potentially infection. Your physician will decide which test to order depending on your health history or symptoms.
Preventing the Spread of Hepatitis C Infection
- Hepatitis C spreads from person to person through blood. Infection can occur when blood containing the virus enters a healthy person’s body.
- Most people today become infected by sharing drug needles, syringes or other items uses to inject drugs, even if it was just once in the past.
- Know the health history of your partners. While rare, the virus can be spread through sexual contact. The risk increases if you have unprotected sex with an infected partner, have multiple sex partners or you are a man who has sex with other men.
- Get tested right away if you have a needle stick injury in a healthcare setting from a needle.
- Don’t share razors, nail clippers and other items that may have come in contact with infected blood.
- Always wear gloves if you come in contact with another person’s blood or open wounds.
Reference
National Institute of Health-Medline Plus. 2023. Hepatitis C. https://medlineplus.gov/hepatitisc.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2021. Screen All Patients for Hepatitis C. https://www.cdc.gov/knowmorehepatitis/hcp/Screen-All-Patients-For-HepC.htm
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2023 Hepatitis C. https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/index.htm
Mayo Clinic. 2023. Hepatitis C. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hepatitis-c/symptoms-causes/syc-20354278
