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Our weekly news column bringing the most current, non-biased health
information to the consumer. |
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March 10, 2009 |
A Publication of QVHD |
FROM A TO E
By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD
You have probably heard of
a disease called hepatitis, but you may not know much about it. The word
hepatitis is used to describe any form of inflammation of the liver,
which can be caused by viruses, bacteria, drugs, poisons, or alcohol.
The types of hepatitis caused by viruses are among the most serious
forms of this condition. There are five major strains of hepatitis
viruses. Hepatitis A is a very contagious type. The virus is found in
feces and can be passed along through food, drinking water, or other
objects that go in the mouth, when an infected person neglects
handwashing after toileting. It can also be passed through direct
contact with infected people. The Hepatitis A virus can contaminate
clams, oysters, and mussels. Because of the way it is spread, you may
hear of an outbreak associated with a restaurant or a daycare. Hepatitis
A is an acute disease, lasting from a few weeks to several months. It
does not usually lead to chronic infection. There is a vaccine to
prevent Hepatitis A. Hepatitis E is spread similarly, when feces
contaminates water or food. It is an acute disease and does not lead to
chronic infection. It is not very common in the United States .
Hepatitis B is probably the most commonly known hepatitis virus. It can
be prevented by vaccine, and in fact, is given to all new born infants.
It is spread through an infected person's body fluids, including blood,
semen, saliva, and urine. Because of the way the virus is passed,
unprotected sexual intercourse or lack of protective barriers (like
gloves) when handling body fluids, place people at risk for this
disease. Shared syringes, including needles for tattoos or body piercing
are another source for this infection. If a pregnant woman has hepatitis
B, she can pass it on to her infant. Hepatitis D can only occur if a
person already has hepatitis B. It is spread in the same ways that
hepatitis B is spread. The presence of “D” often makes the “B” illness
more serious.
Hepatitis C is most commonly associated with blood transfusions and
intravenous drug use. It can also be spread through intimate contact
with an infected person. It begins as an acute illness but usually
becomes a chronic illness. It can lead to cirrhosis of the liver or
liver cancer. There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C.
Symptoms of hepatitis vary from none, to early symptoms like fatigue,
joint/muscle pain, or flu like complaints including loss of appetite. As
time goes on vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and/or low-grade
fever may occur. There may also be tenderness in the right upper abdomen
or a yellowing of the skin (jaundice.)
Treatment for hepatitis diseases generally include bed rest and
inactivity. In some cases, you may have to be isolated from others and
use disposable dishes. Non-immune household members (and some others)
who live with a person infected with hepatitis A may receive an
injection to reduce risk of infection. Similarly, non-immune persons who
are exposed to hepatitis B may receive an injection to reduce risk of
infection.
Recovering from any form of hepatitis can be a long process. Often,
recovery is complete, with no lasting effects. However, some people feel
they never completely regain their former energy level. Viral hepatitis
can leave people with chronic liver disease, increasing their chances of
liver cancer.
If you would like written information of hepatitis, call QVHD, 248-4528.
Specify which strain or all strains. You can also request this online,
www.qvhd.org.
| An Ounce of Prevention is a
publication of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, located at
1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven, CT 06473. Telephone:
248-4528. An Ounce of Prevention is
written by V. Deborah Culligan. The articles are published in the following local newspapers, The Advisor &
Beth-Wood News.
The content is provided as health education and
information to help you make health decisions. It is not intended to
be legal or medical advice, or substitute for recommendations made
by your health care provider. Address all comments to the district
office. |
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