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A Visual Guide to Hepatitis

by Power User Mr Jake on June 11, 2011

A Visual Guide to Hepatitis

What Is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. It may be caused by drugs, alcohol use, or certain medical conditions. But in most cases, it's caused by a virus that infects the liver. This is known as viral hepatitis, and the most common forms are hepatitis A, B, and C.

Hepatitis Symptoms

Sometimes there are no symptoms of hepatitis in the first weeks after infection – the acute phase. But when they occur, the symptoms of hepatitis A, B, and C may include fatigue, nausea, poor appetite, belly pain, a mild fever, or yellow skin or eyes (jaundice.) When hepatitis B and C become chronic, they may cause no symptoms for years. By the time there are any warning signs, the liver may already be damaged.

Hepatitis A: What Happens

Hepatitis A is highly contagious and can spread from person to person in many different settings. It typically causes only a mild illness, and many people who are infected may never realize they are sick at all. The virus almost always goes away on its own and does not cause long-term liver damage.

Hepatitis A: How Does It Spread?

Hepatitis A usually spreads through contaminated food or water. Food can be tainted when it's touched by an infected person who did not wash his hands after using the bathroom. This transfers tiny amounts of infected stool to the food. Raw shellfish, fruits, vegetables, and undercooked foods are common culprits in hepatitis A outbreaks. The virus can also spread in daycare centers if employees aren't careful about washing hands after changing diapers.

Hepatitis A: Who Is at Risk?

A prime risk factor for hepatitis A is traveling to or living in a country with high infection rates. You can check the CDC's travel advisories to learn about recent outbreaks. Eating raw foods or drinking tap water can increase your risk while traveling. Children who attend daycare centers also have a higher risk of getting hepatitis A.

Hepatitis B: What Happens

Many adults who get hepatitis B have mild symptoms for a short time and then get better on their own. But some people are not able to clear the hepatitis B virus from the body, which causes a long-term infection. Nearly 90 percent of infants who get the virus will carry it with them for life. Over time, chronic hepatitis B can lead to serious problems such as liver damage, liver failure, and liver cancer.

Hepatitis B: How Does It Spread?

You can get hepatitis B through contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person. In the U.S., hepatitis B is most often spread through unprotected sex. It's also possible to get hepatitis B by sharing an infected person's needles, razors or toothbrush. And an infected mother can pass the virus to her baby during childbirth. Hepatitis B is not spread by hugging, kissing, sharing food or coughing.

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HEALTH TIPS FOR DISEASE PREVENTION &BETTER HEALTH

A Visual Guide to Hepatitis

A Visual Guide to Hepatitis

What Is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis Symptoms

Hepatitis A: What Happens

Hepatitis A: How Does It Spread?

Hepatitis A: Who Is at Risk?

Hepatitis B: What Happens

Hepatitis B: How Does It Spread?

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Believe it or not, there are no posts about:

Why not create one yourself?

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