4 Things You Should Know About Viral Hepatitis

Did you know that viral hepatitis affects millions of people worldwide? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately a million people worldwide are living with chronic viral hepatitis, and many of them are unaware of their condition. Viral hepatitis is a serious health condition that can cause long-term damage to the liver and even lead to liver cancer.

In this blog post, we have discussed four important things that you should know about viral hepatitis, including what it is, the different types of viral hepatitis, the causes of viral hepatitis, and why it is important to get tested and treated if you think you may have this condition.

Whether you have been diagnosed with viral hepatitis or want to learn more about this important health topic, read on to discover the essential facts about this potentially life-threatening condition.

What Do You Understand About Viral Hepatitis?

Viral hepatitis refers to a group of viral infections that cause inflammation of the liver. There are several types of viral hepatitis, including hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D, and hepatitis E.

What Are The Causes of Hepatitis?

There are several causative reasons for hepatitis, but the most common reason is viral infections. Inflammation or damage caused in the liver is known as hepatitis. They involve two primary causes of hepatitis: one is autoimmune hepatitis, and the other one might result from secondary results of drugs, medicines, alcohol, toxins, etc.

However, autoimmune hepatitis is caused when the body starts to make antibodies against the liver’s tissue. Hepatitis is classified into five types: A, B, C, D, and E. Different types of viruses generate different types of hepatitis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 355 million people live with active cases of hepatitis B and C all around the globe.

General Viral Hepatitis Symptoms Involved

In a few chronic viral hepatitis, such as B and C, the symptoms are not felt until the liver’s functions get more affected and damaged. However, people with acute viral hepatitis might feel different signs and symptoms right after contracting the hepatitis virus.

If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, consulting with the best liver specialist in Delhi NCR will help you get the best-suited viral hepatitis treatment.

Different Types of Hepatitis

Mentioned below are some of the primary causes of the different types of hepatitis in the human body.

Hepatitis A: It is caused due to exposure to the Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) through water or food.

Hepatitis B: It begins if the HBV, Hepatitis B Virus, comes in contact with the body fluids such as blood, semen, and vaginal secretions.

Hepatitis C: It arises when Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) gets in touch with bodily fluids like blood, semen, and vaginal secretions.

Hepatitis D: It is caused when people come in contact with some blood that has HDV or Hepatitis D Virus.

Hepatitis E: It begins due to exposure to HEV or Hepatitis E Virus through food and water.

PSRI Hospital has the best liver transplant surgeons in Delhi NCR who have years of experience in giving suitable treatment for any of your liver diseases.

Four Things People Should Know About the Viral Hepatitis

Below are some of the major points people should be aware of regarding viral hepatitis.

1. It Can Be Deadly

All the types of hepatitis (A, B, C, D, and E) are responsible for causing liver inflammations and infections. It might result in severe diseases such as liver cancer. It can even be the reason for people’s death. People usually suffering from type A and E hepatitis often recover after a while and do not require more treatment.

However, types B, C, and D are chronic because of the infections. Several people suffering from these types die because of cirrhosis or liver cancer. In some cases, the ailment is detected at an early stage and is cured. Nowadays, vaccines for types A, B, D, and E are available, which helps in protecting people. Hepatitis C can be cured completely.

2. Syringes Should Not Be Shared.

Viral hepatitis B, C, and D can get transmitted from an infected person by body fluids. People who inject drugs usually share syringes and are more prone to infection. People should not share needles, razors, or unsterilized items used while piercing and tattooing. Getting advice from the best liver specialist in India will help you know all the aspects to consider.

3. Viruses Can Be Transmitted Physically.

Type B, C, and D hepatitis can be transmitted through body fluids such as blood, semen, etc. Thus, viruses can get transmitted if people do not use protection while getting physical. However, people should know hepatitis B is ten times more infectious than HIV. Type A and E are usually transmitted with contaminated food, water, and poor sanitation.

4. Result in Cirrhosis

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) does not show signs and symptoms and can stay as long as 20 years inside a human body. It is responsible for developing cirrhosis, chronic viral hepatitis, liver cancer, etc. People know about HCV once they feel inflammation in their liver, and their liver becomes almost damaged.

However, type C hepatitis can get cured as several medications are available, making them fully recover in around three months. Get in touch with the best liver doctor in Delhi to know more about this disease and its causes.

The Bottom Line

The infections of hepatitis, in some cases, can be life-threatening. Life-saving treatment options are available and people who have hepatitis need to have special attention. Anyone around us can get hepatitis. Thus, it is essential to make people aware of it.

So if you are curious to know more about viral hepatitis or if you or your loved ones are suffering from this disease, contact PSRI Hospital, the best liver transplant hospital in India. We are here to help you in every manner we can.

FAQs

Q. 1 What is viral hepatitis?

Ans: Viral hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver caused by a viral infection. There are several different types of viral hepatitis, including hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E.

Q. 2 What is acute viral hepatitis?

Ans: Acute viral hepatitis is a type of viral hepatitis that typically lasts for several weeks to a few months. It is caused by the hepatitis A, B, and C viruses, characterized by symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, nausea, and abdominal pain.

Q. 3 How is viral hepatitis spread?

Ans: Viral hepatitis can be spread through touch with infected blood or bodily fluids and contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B and C can also be spread through sexual contact.

Q. 4 How is viral hepatitis treated?

Ans: The treatment for viral hepatitis depends on the type of virus causing the infection. Vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B, but no vaccine currently exists for hepatitis C. Antiviral medications can treat chronic hepatitis B and C infections.

Q. 5 How can viral hepatitis be prevented?

Ans: Viral hepatitis can be prevented by practicing good hygiene, getting vaccinated (if available), using protection during sexual activity, and avoiding contact with contaminated blood or bodily fluids. It’s also important to avoid sharing needles or other injection equipment.