Do you have viral hepatitis?
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver and infections of the liver. Viral hepatitis is the most common cause of liver cancer and the leading cause of liver transplantation. It is estimated that nearly four million people in the United States are living with some form of chronic hepatitis.
Hepatitis A is not as serious as hepatitis B and hepatitis C which can both become chronic conditions. Hepatitis A does not become a chronic illness. Hepatitis B is spread through blood, semen and other body fluids. Infection can occur if a person experiences:
- Blood transfusions
- Contact with blood
- Had direct contact with the blood of an infected person by touching an open wound
- Been stuck with a needle
- Had unsafe sex with an infected person
- Shared needles during drug use
- Shared personal items (such as toothbrushes, razors, and nail clippers) with an infected person.
A vaccine is available to prevent the Hepatitis B virus. The Hepatitis C virus can be spread via the same mean as the Hepatitis B virus. However, a person can also contract Hepatitis C if they’ve been on long term kidney dialysis, or received blood or organs from a donor that was infected with Hepatitis C. The Hepatitis C virus is the leading cause of chronic liver disease in the United States. Currently, there is not a vaccine for Hepatitis C virus. Although there are drugs that can stem symptoms for extended periods of time, there is not a cure for Hepatitis C.
There are support groups available for people with hepatitis. It may be helpful to connect with others who share your diagnosis. There is power in sharing experiences with others like you.
Hepatitis C Support Group
Hepatitis B Support Group
Cited References and Additional Resources:
US National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health
Google Health
Wikipedia
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention