All about Hepatitis virus

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Do you know the difference between Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis refers to an inflammation of infection of the liver. One of the most common causes of the disease is when the liver is infected by either the Hepatitis A or Hepatitis B viruses. There are also three other less common strains of Hepatitis - C, D, and E.

Hepatitis A
The hepatitis A virus is often spread by infected stools. This means personal hygiene - especially after visiting the bathroom - is very important in reducing the prevalence of the virus. In some cases, eating raw oysters, under-cooked shellfish, or drinking untreated tap water can also increase the risk of infection. Usually, hepatitis A infection will go away on its own and does not cause any long-term health problems.

Symptoms of hepatitis A infection include fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, sudden unintended weight loss, stomach pain on the right side under the rib cage, fever, sore muscles and in some cases, jaundice, dark-colored urine or clay-colored stools.

Hepatitis B
There are two types of hepatitis B infection. Some people get acute cases whereby they become sick for a short time and then get better. About 90 percent of Hepatitis B infection are acute in nature. The condition may last for a few weeks or months but once the patient has recovered, there will not be any lasting health problems. About 10 percent suffer from long-term (chronic) hepatitis B. This is relatively more severe condition because long-term infection can cause serious liver damage and even cancer. babies and young children infected with the virus are more likely to develop chronic hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B can be transmitted through contact with the blood and bodily fluids of an infected person. Usually, methods of transmission include unprotected sex and the sharing of needles or other personal items (toothbrushes, razors) with an infected person. You cannot get Hepatitis B from casual contact such as hugging, kissing, sneezing, coughing, or sharing of food and/or drinks with an infected person.

There are no clear symptoms of Hepatitis B infection but some signs include exhaustion, fever, headache, appetite loss, nausea, rashes, jaundice, muscle aches and joint pain.

Protect yourself from Hepatitis
You may consult nearby GP or polyclinic if develop any of the above symptoms. Vaccine for prevention is advisable, you can get vaccinated at polyclinic to protect yourself against Hepatitis A and B.