Introduction
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can cause a range of health problems.
According to WHO An estimated 325 million people worldwide live with hepatitis B and/or C, and for most, testing and treatment remains beyond reach.
Some types of this disease are preventable through vaccination. A WHO study found that an estimated 4.5 million premature deaths could be prevented in low- and middle-income countries by 2030 through vaccination, diagnostic tests, medicines and education campaigns.
Types
- Hepatitis A Virus
- Hepatitis B Virus
- Hepatitis C Virus
- Hepatitis D Virus
- Hepatitis E Virus
Hepatitis A Virus
Incubation Period – About 14–45 days
Mode of Transmission – Contaminated
food and water
Symptoms:
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Fever
Preventive Measures:
- Maintaining good hygienic conditions to
prevent contamination of food and water - Washing hands after handling patient’s bed and clothes
- Intake of high calorific diet with limited or no protein and fat
- Also Read 5 Methods of Contraception
Hepatitis B Virus
Incubation Period – About 6−26 weeks
Mode of Transmission -Exposure to infected blood by contaminated syringes and transfusion equipment.
Symptoms:
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Fever
- Cirrhosis of the liver and cancer in extreme cases
Preventive Measures:
- Use of disposable needles and syringes
- Multiple and unsafe sexual contact should be avoided
- Also Read Human Blood
Hepatitis C Virus
Incubation Period -About 2 weeks to 6 months
Mode of Transmission -Exposure to infected blood by contaminated syringes and transfusion equipment.
Symptoms:
- High temperature
- Headache
- Joint pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Deep yellow urine and light-colored stools
Preventive Measures:
- Use of disposable needles and syringes
- In case of infection, complete bed rest until fever has settled.
- Intake of high calorific diet with limited or no protein and fat.
- Also Read Testes
Hepatitis D Virus
Incubation Period – About 2−6 months
Mode of Transmission – Exposure to infected blood by contaminated syringes and transfusion equipment.
Symptoms:
- High temperature
- Headache
- Joint pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Deep yellow urine and light-colored stools
Preventive Measures:
- Use of disposable needles and syringes
- Washing hands after handling patient’s bed and clothes
- Complete bed rest until fever has settled
- Intake of high calorific diet with limited or no protein and fat
Hepatitis E Virus
Incubation Period – About 21−42 days
Mode of Transmission – Contaminated
food and water
Symptoms:
- Feeling of tiredness
- Sudden loss of weight
- Nausea and loss of appetite
- Yellowing of skin, dark urine and clay-colored stools
Preventive Measures:
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
- Eat a healthy mix of foods
- Avoid alcohol consumption or use of illegal/narcotic drug
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