Contents:
- Medical Video: Hepatitis A and B | Nucleus Health
- Five types of hepatitis viruses are ...
- 1. Hepatitis A (HAV)
- 2. Hepatitis B (HBV)
- 3. Hepatitis C (HCV)
- 4. Hepatitis D (HDV)
- 5. Hepatitis E (HEV)
Medical Video: Hepatitis A and B | Nucleus Health
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that is caused by a virus. Hepatitis is one of the main risks of liver cancer. Experts divide the hepatitis virus into 5 different types, namely A, B, C, D, and E. Although both cause liver disease, these five viruses have important differences. Therefore, the symptoms and how to treat it will also be different. Here is more information about the types of hepatitis.
Five types of hepatitis viruses are ...
1. Hepatitis A (HAV)
The hepatitis A virus causes hepatitis A, which is a contagious liver infection. This type of virus is transmitted through the consumption of water or food contaminated with faeces of infected people. In addition, unprotected sex can also transmit HAV.
Mild hepatitis A cases do not require treatment, and most infected people can recover completely without permanent liver damage. However, HAV infection can also be severe and life threatening. Most people who live in countries with poor sanitation systems have been infected with this virus. Applying good hygiene, including frequent hand washing, is one of the best ways to protect yourself from hepatitis A. Safe and effective immunizations are available to prevent HAV.
2. Hepatitis B (HBV)
Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). This virus is transmitted through contact with blood, semen, and other body fluids containing the HBV virus. Transmission can also occur through transfusion of blood and blood products contaminated with HBV, contaminated needles in medical procedures, and by sharing injecting drugs. In addition, HBV can also be transmitted from an infected mother to her baby at birth or from a family member to a baby at an early age.
Babies and children are more likely to develop chronic hepatitis B infection. HBV is also a high risk for health care workers who are accidentally punctured by needles when treating HBV-infected patients. A safe and effective vaccine is available to prevent HBV, but there is no cure if you are already infected. Certain drugs can help manage symptoms and prevent transmission of HBV to others.
For some people, hepatitis B infection can develop chronic, which means it lasts for more than 6 months. Having chronic hepatitis B increases the risk for liver failure, liver cancer or cirrhosis - a condition that causes permanent damage to the liver.
3. Hepatitis C (HCV)
Hepatitis C is an infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). This virus is most commonly transmitted through contact with contaminated blood - most often through drug needles used together. Transmission through sexual contact may occur, but it is rarely found. Hepatitis C is generally considered to be the most serious infection of all types of hepatitis viruses. There is no preventive vaccine for HCV.
4. Hepatitis D (HDV)
HBV patients usually get HDV infection. Dual HDV and HBV infections can cause more serious illnesses and have worse consequences. The hepatitis B vaccine also provides protection against HDV infection.
5. Hepatitis E (HEV)
Hepatitis E is most commonly transmitted through the consumption of water or food contaminated with faeces with HEV virus. Cooking half-cooked meat and transfusing infected blood can also be risk factors for hepatitis E transmission.
HEV usually causes hepatitis outbreaks in several developing countries. Hepatitis E events occur in many parts of Asia and have caused extraordinary events in Indonesia. A safe and effective vaccine to prevent HEV infection has been developed but is not widely available.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
