Nov. 22, 2022 | The term hepatitis refers to an inflammation of the liver without pinpointing a specific cause. Although there are several forms of hepatitis, the condition is usually caused by one of three viruses, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C virus. In its early stages, hepatitis may cause flu-like symptoms, including loss of appetite and nausea. Jaundice and dark urine may also occur. Most cases of viral hepatitis will resolve within days to weeks, and this is almost always true for hepatitis A. However, hepatitis B and C can frequently evade the immune system and go into a chronic phase with persistent disease. Not infrequently, hepatitis B or C can destroy the liver, requiring the patient to undergo a liver transplant. This usually happens after several years of infection. Unfortunately, some people may have no symptoms and may not even know they’re infected. Children with hepatitis A, for example, usually have mild or no symptoms.

Nov. 22, 2022 | Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. While not as serious as other types of viral hepatitis, hepatitis A causes inflammation that affects the liver’s ability to function. The most likely way of contracting hepatitis A is from contaminated food or water or from close contact with someone who’s already infected, even if that person doesn’t appear sick. Some people who are infected never develop signs and symptoms, but others may feel as if they have a severe case of the flu. Mild cases of hepatitis A don’t require treatment, and most people who are infected recover completely with no permanent liver damage. Unlike hepatitis B and C, hepatitis A doesn’t develop into chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis, both of which can be potentially fatal. Practicing good hygiene, such as frequent hand washing, is one of the best ways to protect against hepatitis A, and there are effective vaccines available for those who are most at risk.

Nov. 22, 2022 | Hepatitis B is a type of viral hepatitis. It can cause an acute or chronic infection. People with an acute infection usually get better on their own without treatment. Sexual contact is the most common means of transmission but one can also contract the disease at birth from a mother who is infected, through tattooing, body piercing, and acupuncture by virus-contaminated instruments or the sharing of toothbrushes, razors or other personal care items than may have contaminated blood on them. Although no cure exists for hepatitis B, a vaccine exists that can prevent the disease. It is now routinely given in the first year of life to all newborn infants. It can also be given to children, adolescents and adults. This vaccine should be given to people who are at high risk for this illness, such as health care workers, people who travel to areas where the infection is widespread, drug users and those not in a long-term, monogamous relationship.

Nov. 22, 2022 | Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation, sometimes leading to serious liver damage. The hepatitis C virus, or HCV, spreads through contaminated blood. Until recently, hepatitis C treatment required weekly injections and oral medications that many HCV-infected people couldn’t take because of other health problems or unacceptable side effects. That’s changing. Today, chronic HCV is usually curable with oral medications taken every day for two to six months. Still, about half of people with HCV don’t know they’re infected, mainly because they have no symptoms, which can take decades to appear. For that reason, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all adults ages 18 to 79 be screened for hepatitis C, even those without symptoms or known liver disease. The largest group at risk includes everyone born between 1945 and 1965, a population five times more likely to be infected than those born in other years.

Nov. 22, 2022 | The hepatitis virus panel is a series of blood tests used to detect current or past infection by hepatitis A, B or C. It can screen blood samples for more than one kind of hepatitis virus at the same time. Blood is most often drawn from a vein from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The health-care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood. Next, the provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed. The puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding. The blood collects into a small glass tube, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding. The blood sample is sent to a lab to be examined. Blood tests are used to check for antibodies to each of the hepatitis viruses.