There are three main types of hepatitis that have similar symptoms, identified as hepatitis a, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Even though each one of them is caused by a virus, and present some of the same characteristics, the three are different from each other. Care must be taken with those who suspect they may be at risk to see a doctor for blood tests and if necessary, treatment options that need to be discussed.
Hepatitis a can be quite serious, but is preventable by use of an available vaccine. It can typically last for six months or less, so it is an acute condition, as opposed to a chronic condition. It is transmitted by ingesting fecal matter, by eating contaminated vegetables and fruits, and can also be transmitted by sexual transmission. This type of hepatitis, however, is not chronic, so it does not generally cause long-term damage to a person’s liver. Some of the hepatitis symptoms of infection include fever, jaundice, dark urine, joint pain, abdominal pain, loss of appetite and others.
Hepatitis B is a bit more complicated, and there are four main ways that it can be transmitted: sexual contact, transmission from infected mother to child during pregnancy, sharing household items, and contact with blood and blood products. This type can be a very serious condition that can be prevented by vaccination; unfortunately, the vaccine will not help unless it is administered within 24 hours of the initial exposure to the virus. There are 1.4 million people in the United States infected with this type. Symptoms are the same as they are for hepatitis a, and hepatitis B can be either acute or chronic. Only a definitive blood test would be conclusive regarding which type a person has contracted.
About 4 million people are infected with the C strain of the virus in this country, and this strain is also the most common cause for liver transplants to take place. Hepatitis C can range from presenting itself as a mild illness to a long and constant battle with liver disease. This liver disease can be fatal, and liver cancer can also occur. one of the worst characteristics about this strain is that it can lie dormant for decades, while it quietly inhibits liver function and causes liver disease, also known as cirrhosis. It can also promote liver cancer while liver damage is occurring, and may possibly be irreversible. Sadly, there is no cure, and no vaccination is currently available for this strain of hepatitis. Hepatitis symptoms are the same as the other two strains, but hepatitis C is chronic and is much more difficult to combat.