Viral
hepatitis – a group of infectious diseases known as hepatitis A, B, C, D, and
E- affects almost 400 million people worldwide, causing both acute (short-term)
and chronic (long-term) liver disease and killing more than 1.4 million people every year. Viral hepatitis is
the seventh leading cause of death worldwide, and causes more deaths than AIDS,
tuberculosis, and even road injuries. The most common types in the United States
are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.
-
Hepatitis A (HAV) is typically caused by
drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food. People with Hepatitis
A usually improve without treatment.
-
Hepatitis B (HBV) occurs as a result of sexual contact
or any contact with infected blood or body fluids. Hepatitis B can lead to
serious liver problems if left untreated.
-
Hepatitis C (HCV) is spread through contact with
infected blood found in contaminated needles, razors, tattoos and body piercing
tools. Hepatitis C can be acute or chronic.
Symptoms of all viral hepatitis are similar and
include: yellowing of the skin, fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite,
nausea and vomiting. However, most people with Hepatitis C and many with
Hepatitis B do not have any symptoms. While Hepatitis A, does not cause a
long-term infection, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C can become chronic, life-long
infections that can lead to serious liver problems including liver cancer. More
than 4 million Americans are living with chronic Hepatitis B or chronic
Hepatitis C in the United States, but most do not know they are infected.
Were you born from 1945 through 1965? In 2012, CDC released new guidelines
recommending that people born from 1945-1965 get a one-time blood test for
Hepatitis C. Rates of Hepatitis C in this age group are five times higher than
other adults. In the past, blood tests for Hepatitis C have not usually been
included in routine physicals.
Prevention: While Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B can be prevented
through immunization, there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C. The risk of
infection for Hepatitis B or C can be reduced by avoiding:
- unnecessary and unsafe
injections;
- unsafe blood products;
- unsafe sharps waste collection
and disposal;
- use of illicit drugs and sharing
of injection equipment;
- unprotected sex with
HCV-infected persons;
- sharing of sharp personal items
that may be contaminated with infected blood; and
- tattoos, piercings and
acupuncture performed with contaminated equipment.
Get Tested: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends
that anyone at risk for chronic hepatitis be tested. If you have participated
in any of the activities listed above, you are at risk. People born from
1945-1965 are five times more likely to be infected with Hepatitis C and
account for more than three out of every four Americans living with the disease.
If you were born from 1945 - 1965, you are at risk for Hepatitis C. In the U.S.,
Hepatitis B disproportionately affects Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
If you or your parents were born in Asia or the Pacific Island, you are at risk
for Hepatitis B.
The CDC’s online Hepatitis
Risk Assessment takes
less than five minutes and provides personalized viral hepatitis testing and
vaccination recommendations.
www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/riskassessment/index.htm
If you think you may be at risk from either Hepatitis B or C, it
is important to contact your health care provider for testing. If it is determined
that you do have hepatitis, your health care provider can offer you counseling
on options for treatment and regular monitoring for early diagnosis of chronic
liver disease. To find out more about hepatitis, visit www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/index.htm.