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Updated by Umbrella Health Care Systems on Oct 22, 2023
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Hepatitis: What Puts You at Risk

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver tissue.Some people or animals with hepatitis have no symptoms, whereas others develop yellow discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice), poor appetite, vomiting, tiredness, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.[1][2] Hepatitis is acute if it resolves within six months, and chronic if it lasts longer than six months.Acute hepatitis can resolve on its own, progress to chronic hepatitis, or (rarely) result in acute liver failure. Chronic hepatitis may progress to scarring of the liver (cirrhosis), liver failure, and liver cancer.[3]

Hepatitis is most commonly caused by the virus hepatovirus A, B, C, D, and E. Other viruses can also cause liver inflammation, including cytomegalovirus, Epstein–Barr virus, and yellow fever virus. Other common causes of hepatitis include heavy alcohol use, certain medications, toxins, other infections, autoimmune diseases, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).[8] Hepatitis A and E are mainly spread by contaminated food and water. Hepatitis B is mainly sexually transmitted, but may also be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy or childbirth and spread through infected blood. Hepatitis C is commonly spread through infected blood such as may occur during needle sharing by intravenous drug users. Hepatitis D can only infect people already infected with hepatitis B.
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Hepatitis Types and Liver Risks

Hepatitis Types and Liver Risks

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. It can be caused by several viruses, as well as nonviral things such as alcohol. The main types in the United States are A, B, and C. Type A symptoms are often similar to a stomach virus. But most cases resolve within a month. Hepatitis B and C can cause sudden illness. However, they can lead to liver cancer or a chronic infection that can lead to serious liver damage called cirrhosis.
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Contamination Spreads Hepatitis

Contamination Spreads Hepatitis

Hepatitis A is spread by eating food or drinking beverages that have been contaminated with the feces of an infected person. You can also get infected through close contact with a person who has hepatitis -- for example, by changing a diaper or through sexual contact. Poor sanitation and poor hygiene increase the risk. Hepatitis B and C are spread mainly through infected blood, semen, or other body fluids.
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Hepatitis A Risks: Produce and Drinking Water

Hepatitis A Risks: Produce and Drinking Water

Hepatitis A outbreaks have been traced to eating contaminated fresh fruits, vegetables, and salads. Wash produce well before eating, even if you plan to peel it. You can also get hepatitis A by drinking contaminated water. Boil river or lake water. Visiting a developing country? Stick to bottled water and skip ice unless it’s made from bottled water. Vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B, but not C.
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Raw Shellfish

Raw Shellfish

Because shellfish is sometimes harvested from polluted waters, uncooked oysters, clams, and mussels can transmit hepatitis A. That's something to think about before your next trip to the raw bar. Cooked shellfish is safer.
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Unclean Hands

Unclean Hands

Hepatitis A can survive outside the body for months. Good hygiene -- including always washing your hands or using hand sanitizer after using the toilet, changing a diaper, and before handling food or eating -- helps prevent the spread of hepatitis A. Using a public restroom? Flush with your foot, and use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door on your way out.
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Contaminated Blood

Contaminated Blood

Infected blood and body fluids spread hepatitis B and C. Infection can be passed from mother to child during birth, between sexual partners, or through contact with open wounds. It can also be spread by contaminated dental instruments, though sterilization practices make this unlikely. Donor blood is screened in the United States, so the risk of hepatitis from a transfusion is small. There is a 0.002% chance of transmission of hepatitis B, and one in 2 million transmits hepatitis C.
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Tattoos and Piercings

Tattoos and Piercings

Getting a tattoo or piercing? Lessen your risk of hepatitis B and C by finding a salon that’s serious about controlling infections. It should be clean and tidy, the staff licensed and well trained. Are the tools heat-sterilized between uses? Hepatitis B and C can be transmitted through improper sterilization and reuse of equipment such as needles. And make sure people wash their hands and put on fresh gloves before touching you.
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Pedicures, Manicures, and Hair Cuts

Pedicures, Manicures, and Hair Cuts

Trips to the salon or barbershop may pose a small risk of exposure to Hepatitis B and C. While there's a small (less than 2%) chance of transmitting hepatitis through grooming items, anytime there's potential for exposure to blood you may be at risk for hepatitis. Reduce your risk by bringing your own nail files, cuticle clippers, razors, or other equipment.
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Sharing Personal Items

Sharing Personal Items

Hepatitis B and C can spread by sharing personal items belonging to someone else. That goes for toothbrushes, razors, nail clippers, washcloths, needles, or anything else that might harbor traces of infected blood. Keep these items for your own use only.
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