Viral hepatitis is the inflammation and destruction of liver cells (hepatocytes) due to a specific viral agent that has entered into the blood stream. Once inside the body, hepatitis viruses target, attack and kill liver cells. Most viral hepatitis seen in the US today include: hepatitis A, B and C.
Hepatitis A (HAV) never becomes a chronic infection; the body will eventually be able to eradicate this virus. It is most commonly transmitted through the fecal/oral route involving ingestion of contaminated food and/or water. There are approximately 40,000 cases per year in the US resulting from outbreaks at restaurants, daycare centers, schools and nursing homes. Some of the symptoms include: fatigue, flu-like symptoms, dark urine, light colored stools, jaundice and fever. A vaccine is available to protect children and adults from becoming infected with HAV.
Hepatitis B (HBV) only remains a chronic infection in 5 to 10% of those who are infected. The vast majority of those exposed to HBV are able to fight off the infection themselves. HBV is transmitted through: blood to blood contact; sexual contact when blood, semen or vaginal fluids are exchanged; injection drug use and from mother to child during birth. Symptoms of HBV infection can include: fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. Although it is currently not curable, numerous anti-viral medications to help suppress the virus are available. A vaccine is also available to protect children and adults from becoming infected with HBV. There is also a combination vaccine available which allows individuals to be vaccinated for both hepatitis A & B simultaneously.
The hepatitis C virus (HCV), known as NonA NonB hepatitis until 1989, results in a chronic infection in 75 to 80% of patients, and is widely known as the most common blood borne infection in the US. In order for transmission of HCV to occur, there must be an exchange of blood from an infected person to another person. Common risk factors for HCV infection include: injection and intranasal drug use; recipients of clotting factors prior to 1987; long-term hemodialysis; individuals with multiple sex partners; blood transfusions prior to July, 1992; infants born to infected mothers; tattoos and body piercings done in a non-sterile environment; healthcare workers and first responders and household transmission through sharing of personal hygiene items such as razors and toothbrushes.
In the United States today, roughly 2% of the population is infected with HCV, and over half of them are yet to be identified. Sixty-five percent of these infections are in people ages 30-49 and affect more males than females. There are 6 main genotypes of hepatitis C and 75% of US infections are genotype 1, the most difficult to treat and eradicate. Of the one million plus that are infected with HIV in the US, 30% are co-infected with HCV.
Although there is no vaccine for hepatitis C yet, it is curable with a combination of currently available medications. Pegylated interferon, a weekly subcutaneous injection, is an immune modulator that also has some antiviral effect. Ribavirin, a twice-daily oral medication, is a nucleoside analog. Both medications must be taken in combination to achieve the best possible treatment outcome.
*Comprehensive Health Education Services, LLC does not prescribe medications, nor does it provide medical advice for any individuals seeking treatment options. Please consult your physician to determine the best options for your care.
Viral Hepatitis
