Viral Hepatitis
What is Viral Hepatitis?
Viral hepatitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the liver. It is caused by different viruses, the most common being hepatitis A, B, and C. These viruses can spread through contaminated food or water (hepatitis A) and blood or other body fluids (hepatitis B and C). Symptoms might include fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and abdominal pain. Treatment depends on the type of hepatitis and may include medications and lifestyle changes to protect your liver.
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is a chronic viral infection that can cause inflammation in the liver, which over time can cause liver damage or liver cancer in some people if left untreated.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a virus that attacks the liver. If HCV is left untreated, it can result in long-term, progressive liver disease. HCV can eventually prevent the liver from functioning properly.
Who can get Viral Hepatitis?
YOU ARE AT RISK Of HBV IF YOU:
• Were born in the U.S., and not vaccinated as an infant, and have parents born in high-risk countries
• Have traveled to countries where HBV is common
• Were born to a mother who has HBV
• Have had contact with infected body fluids (blood, semen, or vaginal secretions)
• Have had unprotected sex with a person infected with HBV
• Have had a tattoo or body piercing with unsterilized tools
• Have shared unsterilized needles
• Have been diagnosed with Hepatitis C and/or HIV
YOU’RE AT RISK of HCV IF YOU:
• Had a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992
• Received a blood-clotting product made before 1987
• Are a health care worker and have been injured by a needle stick
• Received any tattoos or body piercings with non-sterile instruments
• Have been on kidney dialysis for a long time
• Have had sex with a person infected with HCV
• Have HIV
• Have ever been in jail or prison
• Were born to a mother who has HCV
• Have ever injected drugs or shared needles with anyone, even once!
How do I know if I have Viral Hepatitis?
You might have viral hepatitis if you feel very tired, have yellow skin or eyes (jaundice), or feel pain in your stomach. Other symptoms can include dark urine, pale stools, nausea, and loss of appetite. To be sure, your doctor can do blood tests to check for the virus. If you have these symptoms, see your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. However, per CDC guidelines, everyone over the age of 18 should be tested for HCV at least once, and more frequently if engaging in higher risk activities.
How is Viral Hepatitis treated?
An excellent and safe vaccine is available to prevent HBV. Vaccination against HBV is recommended for everyone, particularly those with liver disease. Chronic hepatitis B can be treated successfully with antiviral medications that can lead to viral suppression and prevention of disease progression to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
In the past 5 years, new medications for HCV have been developed which are highly effective and also well-tolerated with very few or no side effects.
Typical treatment for HCV now involves taking a pill or pills daily for 8 to 12 weeks.
More than 95 percent of patients taking these new medications are completely cured of the disease. Once HCV has been treated, the liver can begin to heal.
If you’ve been diagnosed with HCV, you’re not alone. In the United States, as many as 3 million people have HCV. The good news is that recent scientific advances have made treatments for HCV shorter (as little as 8 weeks) and more effective (over 95% cure rates), with very few, if any, side effects.