Hepatitis
Hepatitis is a liver disease characterized by severe inflammation of the liver. It may result from long-term alcohol abuse, infection, or exposure to various other chemicals or drugs. There are several different types of hepatitis. They are named viral hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. Viral hepatitis can be acute, or short-term. Hepatitis B, C, and D are the chronic forms of the condition, where the infection is prolonged, sometimes lifelong. Hepatitis A, B, and C are the most common forms of the hepatitis virus.
Hepatitis AHepatitis A is a very contagious form of liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). While hepatitis A can cause inflammation that affects the liver's ability to function correctly it is not considered as serious as other types of the viral hepatitis.
Hepatitis A is usually contracted by consuming contaminated food or water or from someone who is infected with the virus. Carriers of the hepatitis A virus may experience severe flu like symptoms while other with the virus may experience no symptoms at all.
Most individuals with hepatitis A do not require prolonged treatment and recover completely over time. Unlike other forms of the disease, including hepatitis B and C, hepatitis A doesn't lead to more serious and potentially fatal conditions such as chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis.
Effective vaccines are available for people who are most at risk of contracting hepatitis A.
Hepatitis BHepatitis B is a very serious form of liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Hepatitis B may become chronic for some individuals, leading to cancer of the liver, liver failure or cirrhosis - all of which can cause permanent damage.
Hepatitis B is contracted via the exchange of body fluids with someone who is infected or by coming in contact with contaminated blood. Hepatitis B is spread in much the same way as the AIDS virus, however, hepatitis B is much more infectious than HIV.
Individuals infected as adults with the hepatitis B virus can recover fully, even if their condition is severe. Children infected with the virus are more likely to develop a chronic infection. Currently, there is no cure for hepatitis B but it can be prevented with a vaccine.
Hepatitis CSurveys estimate that nearly 3 percent or more of the world's population to be infected with the hepatitis C virus. Unlike other forms of the virus hepatitis C carriers often exhibit no outward symptoms. In fact, many of those infected with hepatitis C don't realize they are infected until liver damage shows up many years later.
Among all the hepatitis viruses, hepatitis C is considered to be the most dangerous. Untreated, hepatitis C can lead to many chronic conditions including liver failure, liver cancer and cirrhosis. Hepatitis C is not usually transmitted via sexual contact. It is usually transmitted through contaminated blood.Unlike hepatitis A and B, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C.