May 28 2020

Hepatitis Awareness Month

Posted by Scott  filed under Hepatitis

May is Hepatitis Awareness Month. Hepatitis is a serious infection that cause a variety of problems for the liver. Hepatitis Awareness Month was created as a way to raise awareness for the problems hepatitis can cause, as well as to encourage preventive measures. This May, everyone should educate themselves on hepatitis and what can be done to prevent it.

What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is an inflammatory liver condition. Your liver performs many crucial functions, such as:

• Filtration of toxins from the body
• Synthesizing blood proteins
• Synthesizing clotting factors
• Breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins

Hepatitis can infect the liver and lead to several chronic conditions, including liver cancer. There are several different types of hepatitis: hepatitis A, B, and C. People who are infected with the hepatitis A virus can recover, and there is a vaccine to prevent it. People diagnosed with hepatitis B can develop a lifelong infection and can have serious liver cancer. Hepatitis B is also preventable with a vaccine. Unlike hepatitis A and hepatitis B, hepatitis C has no vaccine. However, the infection is treatable. Those diagnosed with hepatitis C may have a lifelong infection, and they may sustain serious liver damage.

Causes

Hepatitis is contagious. Hepatitis A can be caused by consuming food or water that is infected with the hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis B can be sexually transmitted. It can also be spread through infected blood and other bodily fluids. Hepatitis C is caused when the virus gets underneath the skin. This can happen when using injected narcotics.

Symptoms

Symptoms of hepatitis can vary. Sometimes, symptoms won’t occur until liver damage has already happened. Some common symptoms can include:

• Dark urine
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Unintentional weight loss
• Yellow skin and eyes
• Lack of appetite
• Fever
• Vomiting

Prevention

Hepatitis is a serious condition that can lead to serious liver problems, making prevention incredibly important. Some prevention measures include:

• Vaccinations. Vaccinations are available for hepatitis A and B.
• Always wash your hands after using the bathroom
• Only drink commercially bottled water
• Always practice safe sex
• Do not share needles, razors, or toothbrushes
• If you plan on drinking, drink only in moderation

References

American Sexual Health Association. “Hepatitis.” Retrieved from: http://www.ashasexualhealth.org/stdsstis/hepatitis/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). “Learn the ABCs of Viral Hepatitis.” Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hepawarenessabcs.htm

Kahn, April. Higuera, Valencia. (2017). “Hepatitis.” Retrieved from: https://www.healthline.com/health/hepatitis

Murrell, Daniel. (2017). “What’s to know about viral hepatitis?” Retrieved from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/145869.php

National Institutes of Health. (2009). “Hepatitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention.” Retrieved from: https://medlineplus.gov/magazine/issues/spring09/articles/spring09pg25.html

World Health Organization. (2018). “What is hepatitis?” Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/features/qa/76/en/