How to prevent viral hepatitis

Written by Ye Xi Yong
Infectious Diseases
Updated on September 14, 2024
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For Hepatitis A and E, the main mode of transmission is fecal-oral, thus the key to prevention is to prevent fecal-oral transmission by enhancing protection of water sources and food, such as personal hygiene and improved management of feces. Hepatitis B, C, and D are mainly transmitted through blood and bodily fluids. Therefore, to prevent these types of hepatitis, it is necessary to avoid unsafe sexual practices with infected individuals, avoid contact with their blood, and for mothers with hepatitis B, antiviral treatment is necessary to prevent transmission to newborns.

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Written by Ye Xi Yong
Infectious Diseases
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What are the manifestations of viral hepatitis?

Firstly, viral hepatitis is a category of diseases, mainly consisting of five types: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D, and Hepatitis E. Hepatitis A and E are primarily acute hepatitis, while Hepatitis B, C, and D, especially Hepatitis B and C, are mainly chronic processes. If there is an acute outbreak, viral hepatitis generally shares some common characteristics such as jaundice, nausea, aversion to oil, fatigue, and some even exhibit fever. To confirm which type of viral hepatitis it is, one can undergo a blood test to screen for a comprehensive hepatitis virus panel.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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What indicators are checked for viral hepatitis?

Viral hepatitis requires relevant hepatitis markers, such as hepatitis A antibodies IgG and IgM for hepatitis A, and for hepatitis B, the "hepatitis B two and a half pairs" test is conducted to check for surface antigens. If the surface antigen is positive, it indicates a hepatitis B virus infection; if negative, there is no hepatitis B virus infection. Hepatitis C is primarily screened through hepatitis C antibodies; if the screening is positive, further testing for hepatitis C virus RNA is needed. Hepatitis E mainly involves testing for hepatitis E antibodies IgG and IgM.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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Is viral hepatitis easy to treat?

In fact, the treatment of viral hepatitis should be based on the actual situation, and many prognoses are very good, with many recovering to a completely normal state and even without recurrence. Different types of viral hepatitis have different characteristics, and the methods and strategies of treatment are also different. Hepatitis A and E are transmitted through the digestive tract and fecal-oral route and are acute self-limiting infectious diseases. During the onset, gastrointestinal isolation, liver protection, and enzyme reduction treatments are implemented. After four to eight weeks, recovery is generally complete. Hepatitis B and C are transmitted through blood, sexual contact, and from mother to child, and general contact does not lead to infection. Antiviral treatment should be administered if there are indications for it.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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Symptoms of viral hepatitis

The clinical symptoms of viral hepatitis are mainly related to liver function. Generally, there are no obvious symptoms when liver function is normal or mildly abnormal. However, when liver function becomes significantly abnormal, symptoms such as fatigue, aversion to oil, nausea, abdominal distension, and poor appetite may occur. Different types of viral hepatitis have different prognoses and severity of illness. Treatment should be tailored to the actual situation, including liver protection, enzyme reduction, and addressing the cause through comprehensive treatment.

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Written by Ye Xi Yong
Infectious Diseases
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What is the prognosis of viral hepatitis?

China is a country with a high incidence of liver disease, especially hepatitis B. Viral hepatitis is categorized into five types: A, B, C, D, and E. Hepatitis A and E are acute diseases, somewhat similar to the common cold in nature. Many patients with hepatitis A or E recover without seeking hospital treatment. However, hepatitis B and C often progress to chronic hepatitis and require timely and standardized intervention and treatment. If treated promptly and properly, patients can recover just like healthy individuals.