Hepatitis Inflammatory Disease of the Liver

Hepatitis A,B,C,…. What is Hepatitis? Inflammation of the Liver What can cause Hepatitis? * Virus – A, B, C….G *Alcohol and Drug Abuse *Certain Bacteria, Fungi, Parasites

General Symptoms for ALL types of Hepatitis  Jaundice – Yellow Skin and Eyes  Extremely weak or tired  Abdominal pain or nausea  Vomiting or diarrhea  Headache  Low-grade fever  Dark urine

Hepatitis A In Top 10 Communicable Diseases in U.S.  Feces from infected person  99% - Recover in 6-8 weeks  Prevention: Hand-washing  Treatment: Rest, Fluids, Good Diet What is the role of restaurants?

Hepatitis B 100 times more infectious than HIV  Virus can live for 7 days on a dry surface.  Transmission: Blood, Semen, Saliva (newborn)  Many have NO SYMPTOMS  Acute illness with all of the general symptoms  95% - Recover and have immunity  Treatment: Rest, Fluids, Good Diet  Causes cirrhosis, liver failure, 80% of liver cancer  Vaccination available

Hepatitis C  Transmission: Infected Blood  transfusions before 1992, kidney dialysis, needles, piercings, tattoos, sexual activity, shared personal items (razors, toothbrushes)  Diagnosis: Blood test  Acute Illness and then No Symptoms: (90% don’t know they have it)  20-25% recover fully  Outcome: Liver disease/failure, Liver Cancer (Leading cause of Liver Transplants)  Treatment: Rest, Good Food, Fluids, Meds

Self-Care  Vaccination for Hep A & Hep B  Safe sex – latex condoms  Properly sterilized equipment  manicures, piercing, tattoo  Don’t share personal care items  Don’t share chewing gum  Use good hygiene and safety procedures  Keep wounds covered  Minimize alcohol intake  Lose weight – fat build-up in the liver lowers response to medications