how do you get hepatitis

 how do you get hepatitis

Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including viruses, medications, toxins, and other infections. The three most common types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, B, and C, but there are other less common types as well.

Here are some details on the different types of viral hepatitis and how they are transmitted:

Hepatitis A:

Hepatitis A is typically transmitted through the fecal-oral route, meaning it is spread when a person ingests food or water that has been contaminated with the fecal matter of an infected person. It can also be spread through close personal contact with an infected person, such as sexual contact or living in close quarters. Hepatitis A can also be transmitted through consumption of raw or undercooked shellfish that were harvested from contaminated water.

Hepatitis B:

Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with bodily fluids of an infected person, such as blood, semen, or vaginal fluids. It can be spread through sexual contact, sharing needles or other injection equipment, or from an infected mother to her newborn during childbirth. In some cases, hepatitis B can also be spread through non-sexual close personal contact, such as sharing toothbrushes or razors with an infected person.

Hepatitis C:

Hepatitis C is also transmitted through contact with blood of an infected person. It is most commonly spread through sharing needles or other injection equipment, but it can also be transmitted through blood transfusions (prior to blood screening for the virus), or from an infected mother to her newborn during childbirth. Sexual transmission of hepatitis C is also possible, but it is less common than with hepatitis B.

Other types of hepatitis:

There are other less common types of viral hepatitis, including hepatitis D and E. Hepatitis D is only found in people who already have hepatitis B, as it requires the hepatitis B virus to replicate. It is primarily spread through injection drug use or sexual contact. Hepatitis E is typically spread through ingestion of food or water that has been contaminated with fecal matter, and is more common in developing countries with poor sanitation.

In addition to viral hepatitis, there are other types of hepatitis that can be caused by medications, toxins, and other infections. These include autoimmune hepatitis, drug-induced hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, and others.

Prevention of hepatitis:

The best way to prevent viral hepatitis is to practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently and thoroughly, avoiding sharing personal items such as toothbrushes or razors, and practicing safe sex. Vaccines are also available for hepatitis A and B, and there are effective treatments available for hepatitis C. It is also important to avoid sharing needles or other injection equipment, and to practice safe blood handling practices in healthcare settings.

Tweet

Read More..