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Preventing Hepatitis
What Do All Those Letters Mean?
In the United States, the rate of new Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B cases is declining due in part to immunizations for these viruses. However, there are still about 30,000-40,000 new cases of Hepatitis C every year. Did you know that Hepatitis rates are higher among Asian-Americans than any other group? Your lifestyle and your job may also put you at risk.
Hepatitis is spread by different types of viruses. The most common types are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. If you are already infected with Hepatitis B, you can also have Hepatitis D. Hepatitis E is another virus that can cause Hepatitis.
The viruses that cause each type of Hepatitis are spread in different ways.
Hepatitis A:
This virus is spread by fecal matter or intimate contact with an infected person. Although it occurs frequently in areas with poor sanitation, it can also be spread when you don't wash your hands after going to the bathroom then handle food others are going to eat. You can also get this virus by eating shellfish taken from contaminated waters.
Hepatitis B:
Hepatitis B is spread through blood, usually from sexual contact or by sharing infected needles. An infected mother can pass Hepatitis B to her baby at birth or you can get this type of Hepatitis if infected tools are used for a tattoo or body piercing. Using illegal drugs also increases your risk. Hepatitis B can be a short-term or long-term infection and it can be severe and sometimes fatal. This Hepatitis virus is the most easily spread form.
Hepatitis C:
Hepatitis C can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver failure. It is also spread through infected blood contact. The most common way to get Hepatitis C is sharing needles and other equipment while using illegal drugs. It can also be spread to a baby during the birth process. Hepatitis C can be spread by people, called carriers, who do not have an active infection. Like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) infection.
Hepatitis D:
This virus only exists if you have Hepatitis B and is found in the patient's blood. Hepatitis D can increase the severity of Hepatitis B.
Hepatitis E:
Hepatitis E is normally in developing countries and is spread through contaminated water. It is not common in the United States.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Hepatitis may appear two weeks to six months after you are exposed to the virus through contact with a person with an active Hepatitis infection. Or you may never have any symptoms that point to the infection and be diagnosed only after you have some liver damage. Further, there are individuals who carry the Hepatitis virus but never have any symptoms.
The symptoms, when they do appear, are similar to other conditions, such as the flu. They include:
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• General aches
• Fatigue
• Hives
• Painful joints
• Nausea and vomiting
• Darkened urine
• Yellowish skin and eyes
Diagnosis And Treatment
If you are exposed to Hepatitis, you should contact your physician as soon as possible. You will need to discuss your symptoms with your physician and how you think you were infected. The sooner Hepatitis is diagnosed, the better your chances of surviving Hepatitis without damage to your liver. Your physician may also perform some blood tests and urine tests to check your liver function.
Once your condition is diagnosed, ask your physician about an appropriate diet, discuss any medications you may currently be taking for other conditions, and discuss appropriate activity during your recovery.
Treatment usually includes getting lots of rest and eating a healthy diet. In addition, you should avoid alcohol and certain medicines that are metabolized in the liver. You will probably not be admitted to the hospital for treatment. Recovery lasts about one to six months, but Hepatitis can reoccur although it will generally be milder than the initial infection.
Prevention
Hepatitis A and B vaccinations can prevent these two types of infection. Your Service Benefit Plan coverage provides benefits for Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B immunizations for patients with increased risk or a family history of Hepatitis A or B. Under Standard Option, you pay a $15 copayment for the related office visit and nothing for the immunization when you use a Preferred physician. If you have Basic Option and use a Preferred primary care provider, you pay a $20 copayment and nothing for the immunization.
There is no vaccine for the most common type of Hepatitis, Hepatitis C.
You can avoid spreading Hepatitis by washing your hands after using the bathroom and avoid sharing toothbrushes and razor blades with others. If you are close to someone with Hepatitis, you can protect yourself by washing clothing and bed linens with a detergent that kills germs, and clean toilets and other surfaces with a disinfectant.
More Information
If you would like more information about Hepatitis, you can talk to your physician. The following online resources are also a good source of information:
• Blue Health Connection
• www.webmd.com
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