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Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by a hepatitis virus. There are several types of hepatitis infections. The three most common in the U. S. are Hepatitis A,B, and C. Hepatitis A is considered the least threatening since it generally does not lead to liver damage, and 99% of those infected fully recover. Hepatitis B is a serious viral disease that attacks the liver. Approximately 2-10% of adults and 25-80% of children under the age of 5 will not be able to clear the virus in six months and are considered to be chronically infected. Hepatitis C also causes inflammation of the liver, with an estimated 80% of those infected developing chronic hepatitis. Many can develop cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), and some may also develop liver cancer. How does someone get hepatitis? Hepatitis A is transmitted through fecally contaminated food or water and anal/oral contact. Transmission of Hepatitis B and C involves contact with infected blood and body fluids. It is often impossible to trace the source of an individual's hepatitis infection. Is it safe to visit someone with hepatitis? It is perfectly safe to visit someone with hepatitis. Hepatitis is not transmitted through casual contact. It is OK to shake hands with, hug, or kiss someone who is infected with viral hepatitis. Can hepatitis be sexually transmitted? Hepatitis B is often sexually transmitted. The virus is 100 times more infectious than AIDS and is found in blood, semen, and vaginal fluids. Sexual partners of an infected person should practice safe sex and be vaccinated for hepatitis B. (Those who have recovered from HBV are immune.) Hepatitis C is not easily transmitted through sexual contact; researchers are uncertain how often transmission occurs this way. Hepatitis A may be spread through anal/oral contact during sex. Vaccines are available for Hepatitis A and B, but no vaccine is available for Hepatitis C. Is treatment available for hepatitis patients? There is no treatment for Hepatitis A (HAV), but 99% of the time HAV will clear up over a period of a few weeks to months. Treatment for chronic Hepatitis B usually consists of Alpha interferon and lamivudine. These drugs are effective in up to 40% of patients. For Hepatitis C, interferon and ribavirin are the recommended drugs. Interferon can be taken alone or in combination with ribavirin. Combination therapy is currently the treatment of choice.
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Hepatitis Foundation International
(800) 891-0707
HFI@comcast.net
©2003. All rights reserved.