Do you need a blood transfusion for viral hepatitis?

Written by Zhang Jian Kang
Infectious Disease
Updated on March 30, 2025
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The treatment of viral hepatitis generally does not require blood transfusion. The primary treatment methods for viral hepatitis include ensuring plenty of rest, eating smaller and more frequent meals, and paying attention to diet. Additionally, medications that protect the liver, reduce enzyme levels, and alleviate jaundice can be used. For viral hepatitis caused by hepatitis B or C, formal antiviral treatment is also necessary. If liver damage is extremely severe, leading to liver failure and very high bilirubin levels, artificial liver treatment can be administered. Artificial liver treatment is of two types: one is plasma exchange, commonly referred to as a blood transfusion, and the other is protein adsorption; both of these methods are relatively effective.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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How do you get viral hepatitis?

Viral hepatitis is primarily due to infection by certain hepatitis viruses. Different types of viral hepatitis have different modes of transmission and routes of spread, and their outcomes and prognoses also vary. Hepatitis A and E are mainly transmitted through the digestive tract and the fecal-oral route, typically from consuming food or water contaminated with hepatitis A or E viruses. Hepatitis B and C, on the other hand, are mainly transmitted through blood, perinatal transmission, and sexual contact, with infection from casual contact being rare.

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Written by Ye Xi Yong
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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.

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

The clinical manifestations of viral hepatitis primarily include impaired liver function, characterized by fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, etc. Some patients with viral hepatitis may also exhibit jaundice of the skin and sclera, dark urine, and itchy skin. Additionally, a majority of patients may only experience a decrease in energy without other symptoms.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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How does viral hepatitis spread?

Different types of viral hepatitis have distinct characteristics and are transmitted in different ways. Common types include hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Hepatitis A and E are primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route via the digestive tract. Hepatitis B and C are mainly transmitted through blood, sexual contact, and from mother to child; general social contact does not typically result in infection. In terms of prevention, vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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Is viral hepatitis airborne?

Viral hepatitis cannot be transmitted through the air, and different types of viral hepatitis are transmitted through different routes and have different clinical symptoms. The characteristics of the disease vary; for example, hepatitis A and hepatitis E are primarily transmitted through the digestive tract, via the fecal-oral route. This typically occurs after consuming food or water contaminated with hepatitis A or E virus. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses are mainly transmitted through blood, sexual contact, and from mother to child, with mother-to-child transmission being the most significant route.