Hepatitis is caused by 5 different strains of virus (A, B, C, D and E) that inflames the liver. While all viruses caused liver inflammation, they differ in diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Symptoms may be similar such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, pain in the stomach, jaundice and joint pain. Today, we will be discussing the more common types of hepatitis – A, B and C.
Hepatitis A - HAV
Usually is transferred by direct oral contact, sexual contact and ingestion of food/water. Its incubation period is around15 to 50 days. Fortunately, people infected with this disease are likely to heal with no liver damage. HAV is commonly found in the feces of people infected. The treatment for HAV is supportive care and people infected should avoid alcoholic beverages. Direct guidance of the doctor should be given. Bed rest or quarantine or any admissions are not necessary.
Hepatitis B – HBV
Usually is transferred by through body fluids. When one person who is infected transfers his/her body fluids to a non-infected person, the latter becomes ill. It can also be contacted through unprotected sex, use of contaminated needles or at birth. Its incubation period is approximately 45 to 160 days. Fortunately, just like HAV, this virus is rarely fatal and people recover with no liver damage. The treatment for HBV is evaluation and check-up every 6 to 12 months. Some medications are also given to prevent further liver problems but there is no real cure for HBV infection. Also, people infected should also avoid drinking alcohol.
Hepatitis C – HCV
Usually is contacted through blood by sharing needles, sexual contract and birth of an infected mother. Its incubation period is around 14 to 180 days. 60-70& of people infected develop lover diseases, the rest will recover with no lasting liver damage. People with this infection should consult their doctor every 6-12 months. The most suggested treatment would be combination therapy and it is best for patients to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages.
While there are measures to treat such diseases, it is better to always prevent them from coming. Vaccinations, vitamins, practicing safe sex, making sure all needles are sterile and keeping our immune system high are some of few things we can do to avoid hepatitis. Please consult your doctor for any questions. Let us not put the fate of our kids or loved ones on our own hands.
Where can you find more information?
Contact Faith Medical Group at +65 6444 8019 or drop by at our clinics!
Hepatitis A - HAV
Usually is transferred by direct oral contact, sexual contact and ingestion of food/water. Its incubation period is around15 to 50 days. Fortunately, people infected with this disease are likely to heal with no liver damage. HAV is commonly found in the feces of people infected. The treatment for HAV is supportive care and people infected should avoid alcoholic beverages. Direct guidance of the doctor should be given. Bed rest or quarantine or any admissions are not necessary.
Hepatitis B – HBV
Usually is transferred by through body fluids. When one person who is infected transfers his/her body fluids to a non-infected person, the latter becomes ill. It can also be contacted through unprotected sex, use of contaminated needles or at birth. Its incubation period is approximately 45 to 160 days. Fortunately, just like HAV, this virus is rarely fatal and people recover with no liver damage. The treatment for HBV is evaluation and check-up every 6 to 12 months. Some medications are also given to prevent further liver problems but there is no real cure for HBV infection. Also, people infected should also avoid drinking alcohol.
Hepatitis C – HCV
Usually is contacted through blood by sharing needles, sexual contract and birth of an infected mother. Its incubation period is around 14 to 180 days. 60-70& of people infected develop lover diseases, the rest will recover with no lasting liver damage. People with this infection should consult their doctor every 6-12 months. The most suggested treatment would be combination therapy and it is best for patients to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages.
While there are measures to treat such diseases, it is better to always prevent them from coming. Vaccinations, vitamins, practicing safe sex, making sure all needles are sterile and keeping our immune system high are some of few things we can do to avoid hepatitis. Please consult your doctor for any questions. Let us not put the fate of our kids or loved ones on our own hands.
Where can you find more information?
Contact Faith Medical Group at +65 6444 8019 or drop by at our clinics!