Hepatitis

 STDs » Hepatitis

HEPATITIS

What is Hepatitis?

There are five types of hepatitis — A through E — all of which cause inflammation of the liver. Type D affects only those who also have hepatitis B, and hepatitis E is extremely rare in the United States.

How is Hepatitis contracted?

Type A hepatitis is contracted through anal-oral contact, by coming in contact with the feces of someone with hepatitis A, or by eating or drinking hepatitis A contaminated food or water.

Type B hepatitis can be contracted from infected blood, seminal fluid, vaginal secretions, or contaminated drug needles, including tattoo or body-piercing equipment. It can also be spread from a mother to her newborn.

Type C hepatitis is not easily spread through sex. You’re more likely to get it through contact with infected blood, contaminated razors, needles, tattoo and body-piercing equipment, or manicure or pedicure tools that haven’t been properly sanitized, and a mother can pass it to her baby during delivery.

Type D hepatitis can be passed through contact with infected blood, contaminated needles, or by sexual contact with an HIV-infected person.

Type E hepatitis is most likely to be transmitted in feces, through oral contact, or in water that’s been contaminated.

Incubation Period: Two weeks to five months, although Type C can remain dormant for 10 years before symptoms crop up.

Symptoms of Hepatitis

When symptoms are present, they are much the same for all five types of hepatitis: mild flu-like symptoms, light stools, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes), fatigue, and fever. Hepatitis A symptoms may also include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Testing

All types of these dseases are diagnosed with a blood test.

Treatment

Types A and E hepatitis usually resolve over time. If you’re traveling to a country where hepatitis A is prevalent, two doses of a vaccine can prevent the disease. There’s no vaccine for hepatitis E. For Type B, anti viral medications may help some patients. But like type A, a vaccine that’s given in three doses can prevent the disease in the first place. (In fact, hepatitis B is the only STD that’s preventable with a vaccine, according to Planned Parenthood.) For Type C and D, interferon and other drugs may help some patients, but there is no vaccine for either type.

If you are not treated

Because types A and E usually go away over time, neither is likely to lead to chronic disease. Types B and C, however, can lead to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver cancer if not treated; type D can also result in the liver cancer

» STDs » Hepatitis C

HEPATITIS C



The term “Hepatitis” is used to define an inflammatory condition of the liver. Among the triggers for hepatitis are some meds, toxins, certain diseases, alcohol abuse, bacterial and virus infections etc. For the moment there are 5 known hepatitis types: A, B, C, D, E.

Hepatitis C shall be taken to be the most virulent type. The existence of this hepatitis type was confirmed in 1989. It’s estimated that about 3% of people worldwide are subject to chronic hepatitis C. Around half a million people decease annually from liver diseases provoked by hepatitis C.

What is Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a contagious disorder influencing the liver and resulting from the hepatitis C virus. It can come out in mild cases that last no longer than few weeks as well as the serious ones enduring diseases that strike the liver. Basically the virus invades due to blood-to-blood contacts with the infected people.

The disease can be “acute” as well as “chronic.”

Acute condition is a short-run illness that develops within half a year after the exposal to the Hepatitis C virus. Typically acute infection triggers a chronic one.

Chronic HCV infection is a continuing disease that occurs provided that the virus stays in the human body. It can be a lifetime condition leading to severe conditions such as cirrhosis or liver cancer, normally appearing years after the initial contracting.

Causes

Viral infection. Most Hepatitis cases are related to viral infection that is transmitted from infected persons.Transmission from pregnant mother to the child.Alcohol, drugs, medications and other toxins. Various toxins and poisons may cause liver inflammation, swelling and eventual disease.Autoimmune system failure. Sometimes the body starts producing antibodies that destroy liver tissue due to some immune failure.

Key Facts



Hepatitis C is a hardly determinable disease that may not show any symptoms in many cases.

Following the WHO data, about 3% of the world population is HCV-infected and there are more than 170 million chronic index cases risking developing liver cirrhosis and/or liver cancer.

Hepatitis C is passed from mom to her baby in 6% of cases. The risk for children to be infected is much higher if the lying-in woman has both HIV and Hepatitis C.

The virus can not be passed through meals, water or casual contact.

How is Hepatitis C Transmitted?



The virus is transmitted through blood or biological liquid of an infected person.

If you share drugs or needles, have unprotected sex, rough sex or many sexual partners you are at risk group. You should also get tested if you were subject to hemotransfusion or organ transplantation, continuous kidney dialysis or were born from a Hepatitis C positive woman.

Symptoms of Hepatitis C

The latent stage for the disease is 2 to 26 weeks. 80% of cases are asymptomatic. Meanwhile high temperature, weakness, appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, tummy pain, dark urine, pale bowel movements, arthralgia and jaundice can be among the acute symptoms.

Testing and Diagnosis



2 steps are required to diagnose HCV infection:

Screening assay for anti-HCV antibodies along with a serological test permit to diagnose if a person has been infected. Positive HCV antibodies test demands further study in order to confirm chronic infection because in up to 45% of cases the immune system can defeat the infection. After this the liver damage degree needs to be evaluated in order to find the right treatment. Apart from biopsy there is a range of non-invasive methods permitting to make an assessment.

The genotype of the stain should also be identified because each of 6 genotypes should be treated differently. Moreover there are some genotypes combinations demanding appropriate medication.

In the course of the treatment you’ll be monitored and checked with different blood tests, imaging tests and biopsy.

Treatment of Hepatitis C



The result of successful treatment is disposing of the virus and it’s heavily related to the stain of the virus and treatment type. Getting rid of the virus can cause a complication like a liver damage resulting in hepatic failure or liver cancer. Medical care is indispensable for those having signs of liver fibrosis or scarring.

Modern hepatitis C treatment varies a lot from the one practiced a few years ago. A single daily shot of Harvoni, which is much safer and better-tolerated than earlier medications, is able to cure the disease in 8–12 weeks in most cases. Harvoni comprises two drugs: sofosbuvir and ledipasvir. However this medication is quite expensive and has a range of side effects like fatigue and headache.

It is worth saying that this disease doesn’t always demand treatment because of the immune response that is capable of clearing the virus. Until recent times interferon and ribavirin had to be used during 48 weeks to overcome the disease, and this kind of treatment only yielded favorable results in 50% of cases, while grave side effects were possible.

Medications



Among the most widespread HCV medications are Boceprevir (Victrelis), Ribavirin, Sofosbuvir, Simeprevir, Simeprevir and Harvoni. Some of them have severe side effects.

For example, Ribavirin use can potentially result in birth defects so the patients should practice safe sex in order to avert pregnancy at least during first half a year after the treatment.

At the same time it should be mentioned that the next generation drugs like Harvoni are much safer and efficient.

Surgery

Hepatitis C can culminate in liver transplantation due to cirrhosis. In up to 30% of cases, cirrhosis is developed within five years. Such treatment option can lead to some surgical complications. However the survival rate is high enough — about 73% of people can live with a transplanted liver up to 5 years.

Alternative Medicine

There is quite a popular belief that some alternative medications can be helpful in curing the Hepatitis C virus. Among these alternative remedies and methods are milk thistle, colloidal silver, acupuncture, supplements containing zinc, ginseng, probiotics etc. In the meantime this kind of treatment can also cause side effects and there are no confirmations of treatment efficacy.

Hepatitis C Prevention

There is still no vaccine against this disease. The one way to avoid it is to lessen the risk of infection at most.

The most common precautionary measures are:

Hand hygiene including the use of disposable gloves and hand washing, especially during medical interventions;Correct condom use;The use of your own shaving accessories;Avoiding blood-to-blood contacts.

If you are already infected you should get immunized with the hepatitis A and B vaccines so you can prevent coinfections, choose an appropriate medical care and monitor your condition on an ongoing basis.

If you are not treated



If a patient doesn’t undergo appropriate treatment the virus can cause unacceptable health risks.

HCV can result in liver scarring or cancer and finally the liver can stop functioning. However modern treatments allow to get rid of the virus and most of the patients have a normal life expectancy and can lead an ordinary life.

If you start treating hepatitis C early on, you’ll manage to reduce complicating disorders.

Is there a cure for Hepatitis C?

The cure for Hepatitis C exists but the biggest problem about the next generation medications that can cure the disease in a short period of time is the price. Unfortunately, this kind of medications is not affordable for most people. Pharmaceutical companies keep the prices high and the mortality rate is still significant. At the same time the appropriate treatment on early stages is of primary importance.

What are the Hepatitis C side effects?

The most frequent effects caused by drugs curing hepatitis C are:

Influenza-like symptomsWeaknessHair lossLow blood countsTrouble thinkingAgitationDepressionAnemia due to hemolysisCoughNauseaShort breathingInsomniaAppetite loss



 » STDs » Hepatitis B

HEPATITIS B



What is Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral infection attacking the liver and representing real life danger. The term ‘hepatitis’ means inflammation of the liver. For some people, hepatitis B is an acute disease but for others it can become a chronic infection. Nowadays hepatitis B is the most common infection affecting liver in the world. It puts people at risk of death from liver cancer or cirrhosis. Hepatitis B prevalence is the highest in such regions as East Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, where 5–10% of the adults are chronically infected. In North America and Western Europe less than 1% of the population has chronic infection.

Key Facts about Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a liver infection capable of causing both short-term and long-term disease.The virus is contracted through blood or body fluids of someone who is infected.The virus is up to 100 times more infectious than HIV.Two thirds of people who have caught Hepatitis B virus remain unaware of their infection.Every year more than 780,000 fatalities are registered due to complications caused by hepatitis B such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.Hepatitis B is a major occupational hazard for health care professionals.It is possible to prevent the disease by taking a safe and effective vaccine.

Causes and Transmission



Hepatitis B infection is caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). Hepatitis B virus is passed by contact with blood or body fluids (i.e. seminal, menstrual, vaginal fluids and saliva) of an infected person.

How is Hepatitis B Transmitted?

Sexual contact. One can catch hepatitis B during unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person whose saliva, blood, vaginal or seminal secretions enter the body of the partner. Unvaccinated men who have sex with other men as well as heterosexual persons with sex workers or multiple sex partners are under particular risk of obtaining the disease.Sharing of needles. Hepatitis B virus is easily transmitted through syringes and needles contaminated with infected fluids. Infection can occur during dental and surgical procedures, tattooing, or through the shared use of razors and other contaminated objects.Accidental needle sticks. The infection is a major concern for health workers and other people who have contact with blood.Mother to child transmission. Pregnant women with HBV can pass it to their babies during labor. However, it’s important to remember that a newborn child can be vaccinated in order not to get infected in almost all possible cases.

Hepatitis B virus poses a serious threat to those who:

Have unprotected sex with a partner who has the virus;Come in contact with human blood at work;Have been on a long lasting kidney dialysis;Receive blood transfusions;Share needles while taking drugs;Get acupuncture or a tattoo with unclean needles;Share different personal items (razors, toothbrushes, or nail clippers) with a Hepatitis B infected person.

Symptoms of Hepatitis B

The majority of people experience no significant symptoms during the acute phase of infection. However, some people develop a rapid onset of the disease with symptoms that last a few weeks, including extreme fatigue, yellowing of eyes and skin, dark urine, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.

A small amount of people with acute hepatitis experience liver failure which can result in death. Sometimes the Hepatitis B virus can end up in a chronic infection that can develop such consequences as liver cancer or cirrhosis. However, more than 90% of adults recover naturally within the first year without any special treatment. But it’s important to remember that an infected person can transmit HBV to other people even if he or she has nosymptoms.

Hepatitis B Testing and Diagnosis



It’s essential to receive a laboratory confirmation of the diagnosis. A number of effective tests are available to diagnose hepatitis B and monitor the condition of infected people. The tests can be used to distinguish chronic and acute infections.

They involve blood or serum tests that detect either antibodies or vial antigens. Laboratory diagnosis of the infection screens the detection of the surface antigen HBsAg. Acute hepatitis B infection is characterized by the presence of this surface antigen and immunoglobulin M antibody to the core antigen. Chronic infection is diagnosed if HBsAg persists for 6 months. Persistence of the surface antigen HBsAg is the major marker of risk for liver cancer and a chronic disease later in life. Follow-up tests are necessary to detect if the disease has gone. Interpretation of the tests for detection of HBV is complex. The results need to be carefully discussed with health care professionals.

Hepatitis B Treatment – Is there a Cure?

Normally acute Hepatitis B does not require special treatment and the majority of adults clear the virus spontaneously. Early treatment may be required only in less than 1% of infected people who are immunocompromised or whose infection takes an aggressive course.

It’s very important to maintain comfort, avoid alcohol, keep to a balanced diet, and replace body fluids lost from diarrhea and vomiting. On the other hand, chronic hepatitis B can be treated with medicines, including antiviral agents. Treatment can help to reduce the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Chronic Hepatitis B is usually a mild disease among children. Most of them can live full and healthy lives without visible symptoms. However, in some children the virus can cause significant liver damage. They will require medical treatment and intervention. All children suffering from chronic hepatitis B infection should be seen by a liver specialist on a regular basis. During the visits it’s necessary to take blood tests, physical exams and sometimes ultrasounds of the liver.

Medications and Surgery



There are two different types of Hepatitis B treatment: antiviral drugs and interferon. As for the former, World Health Organization recommends to use entecavir or tenofovir. They are the most potent medicines to suppress HBV, rarely result in drug resistance and have few adverse effects so only limited monitoring is required. However, the treatment cannot cure Hepatitis B but only makes it hard for the virus to replicate. Therefore, most people must continue treatment for life.

Interferon is injected once a week and boosts the immune system of an infected person to fight Hepatitis B. This treatment is the most effective when the number of viral particles (viral load) is not very high. Unlike antiviral medicines, interferon may show improvements that persist even after the treatment completion. However, the use of interferon is less feasible in low-income areas due to high cost and serious side effects which require careful monitoring. Liver transplantation can be used in people who develop cirrhosis or liver failure, with varying success. Unfortunately, both antivirals and interferon cannot cure Hepatitis B.

Not all the people with chronic Hepatitis B require medication. Each option has its pros and cons but whether you choose to start Hepatitis B treatment or not, it is essential to be examined by a Hepatitis B specialist regularly.

Alternative Medicine

Taking an alternative natural approach to Hepatitis B infection means focusing on maintaining the immune system healthy and supporting the liver. Historically, Chinese herbs have been used to treat chronic Hepatitis B and other liver diseases. Schisandra improves liver function and condition by stimulating liver enzymes and boosting liver cell growth. Milk thistle may be beneficial in fighting the inflammation that may cause complications such as liver cancer or cirrhosis. Vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, lipid monolaurin and standard multivitamins are important supplements as well. Moreover, laboratory and clinical research has proven that an Ayurvedic formula can halt Hepatitis B virus. It’s made up of two herbs: Cyperus rotundus and Cyperus scariosus. There are many promising alternative ways of Hepatitis B treatment, however it’s vitally important to discuss it with your doctor before taking herbal remedies or over the counter medication.

Home treatment can also bring relief and prevent the spread of HBV. Reduce your daily activity to save body energy. Slow down if you feel tired. A well-balanced healthy diet that is low-fat and contains plenty of vegetables is highly recommended for people with chronic Hepatitis B. Avoid eating raw fish because it can have bacteria which can damage your liver. Drink plenty of water to keep your body well-hydrated. Broth and fruit juices are also a good choice when you have Hepatitis B. Avoid alcohol and smoking because they are harmful to your liver.

Hepatitis B Prevention and Vaccination



Hepatitis B infection is vaccine-preventable. An effective and safe vaccine is used to protect children and adults from the disease. In addition, the implementation of safe injection procedures, blood safety strategies and safer sex practices can protect against HBV transmission. There are simple and effective ways to prevent the spread of Hepatitis B:

Practice safe sex using protective measures (condoms);Avoid direct contact with bodily fluids and blood;Wash your hands carefully after any potential exposure;Clean up blood spills with a disinfecting solution;Avoid sharing sharp personal items such as nail clippers, razors or toothbrushes;Cover all wounds and cuts carefully;Avoid street drugs (inhaling, injecting, popping pills);Make sure sterile needles are used for tattoos, piercing, and acupuncture;Moreover, all blood and blood components used for blood transfusions should undergo quality-assured screening to reduce the chance of getting HBV.

However, the mainstay of Hepatitis B prevention is the vaccine. Children and adults exposed to the disease should absolutely receive the Hepatitis B vaccine. The first dose is recommended within 24 hours after birth. It should be followed by either two or three doses given after the first one, preferably within six month. This effective vaccine is recommended for all newborn babies and for children up to 18 years old. Adults, especially those people who fall into a high-risk group because of their occupation or lifestyle, should also consider receiving the Hepatitis B vaccine. The vaccine has a great record of effectiveness and safety. One cannot acquire hepatitis B infection from the vaccine.

If you are not treated

People with an acute form of Hepatitis B do not need special treatment. Moreover, not every person infected with chronic Hepatitis B is required to stay on medication. However, if you are not treated, a chronic infection can develop into such serious diseases as liver cancer or cirrhosis which can result in death.

There is limited access to treatment of Hepatitis B in many resource-constrained areas. Besides, many people are diagnosed only at the stage when they have advanced liver disease. Cancer progresses rapidly and the outcome is usually poor because treatment options are limited in low-income areas so most people with this type of cancer die within a few months of diagnosis. At the same time in high-income settings, chemotherapy and surgery can prolong life for a couple of years.



Is there a cure for Hepatitis B?

For an acute Hepatitis B, the best remedy is a simple bed rest and additional supportive measures. There is still no cure for chronic infection, however there are several approved drugs for adults and children and also many promising drugs in development. These medicines slow down Hepatitis B virus and reduce the risk of liver damage. They may even remove the virus completely but it happens rarely.

When is Hepatitis B vaccination required?

It’s recommended to give Hepatitis B vaccine to all infants at birth as well as children and adolescents up to 18 years. Babies born to mothers with HBV should be given the vaccine together with Hepatitis B immunoglobulin. Adults at high risk of acquiring the infection should also receive the Hepatitis B vaccine. HBV poses a threat to those who live with infected persons, to health care professionals, travelers to countries of high Hepatitis B endemicity, and patients undergoing kidney dialysis.

Who should not be vaccinated with Hepatitis B vaccine?

Hepatitis B vaccine is very safe and effective. Most people have no problems with it. Side effects include swelling, soreness and redness at the injection site. However, anyone with an allergy to yeast or to any other vaccine component should not get the vaccine. Anyone with an adverse reaction to a previous dose should not be given another dose of Hepatitis B vaccine.

Which side effects can Hepatitis B cause?

A small amount of acute Hepatitis B infections can be serious and result in death. The most severe complications occur in people with chronic Hepatitis B infection. The younger the person is, the bigger the likelihood of staying infected and developing life-long problems with liver. 20–30% of chronically infected adults will suffer from cirrhosis or liver cancer. Hepatitis B side effects include:

Liver cancer. People with a chronic Hepatitis B have an increased risk of developing liver cancer.Cirrhosis. The inflammation caused by Hepatitis B can result in extensive liver scarring, which may reduce the liver’s ability to function properly.Acute liver failure. It’s characterized by shutting down vital functions of the liver. When that occurs, transplantation is required to sustain life.Other complications. Infected people may have inflammation of blood vessels, kidney disease or anemia.