
HEPATITIS FAQ
What is Hepatitis ?
Any condition that results in inflammation and damage to your liver which can be caused by Alcohol, by medications (too much Tylenol or even certain herbal teas) or unhealthy diet too rich in sugar and also infections due to bacteria or most commonly viruses. There are many viruses that can cause inflammation in your liver such as Hepatitis A Virus, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C virus, Epstein Barr Virus, Cytomegalovirus.
You don't always get symptoms, or sometimes the symptoms are very atypical, and therefore if you are concerned that you may have contracted hepatitis you should consult your healthcare provider immediately. Certain viruses can cause acute liver disease that can be life-threatening but we are also concerned more frequently with chronic liver disease that can cause liver cirrhosis and sometimes cancer.
How Is It Viral Hepatitis Spread?
Viral hepatitis can be transmitted to healthy people and each type of viral hepatitis can spread differently.
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By example You can catch Hepatitis A if you drink water or eat food which has been contaminated with the stool of someone with the Hepatitis A virus; you can contract hepatitis B at birth or by having unprotected sex with someone with the infection; you can contract hepatitis C by injecting drugs in your blood using contaminated needles. You can not only rely on the internet to educate yourself and make decisions about your health.
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How Is It Diagnosed?
Blood tests allow doctors to diagnose it.
Ultrasound of the liver can help visualize the liver and
In some situation, a liver biopsy can be indicated to establish a definite diagnosis
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Are There Any Long-Term Effects?
For Hepatitis B and C there are severe long term effects
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For some people, hepatitis C is a short-term illness but for 70%–85% of people who become infected with Hepatitis C, it becomes a long-term, chronic infection.
Chronic Hepatitis C is a serious disease that can result in long-term health problems, even death. The majority of infected persons might not be aware of their infection because they are not clinically ill
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For hepatitis A, Usually, the virus doesn't cause any long-term problems or complications. But according to the CDC, 10% to 15% of people with hepatitis A will have symptoms that last a long time or come back over a 6- to 9-month period. In rare situations, some people may have liver failure or need a transplant.
What's the Treatment for viral Hepatitis?
It depends on which specific virus affects your liver
There is a curative treatment for Hepatitis C, it has gotten significantly better over the last few years
There is a treatment to control hepatitis B but it is not curative
There is no treatment that can cure Hepatitis A
Your doctor will usually take blood tests that check your liver function to be sure your body is healing.
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At People Care Institute, we can offer treatment for Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B infection and we also offer vaccinations.
Are There viral Hepatitis Vaccines?
Again it depends on which specific virus you are trying to protect yourself from!
There is no vaccine against Hepatitis C
But there is an effective vaccine against Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B.Because of the potentially severe consequences of Viral hepatitis, we recommend Vaccination against viral hepatitis A and B
The vaccine is usually given in doses.
Getting vaccinated is your best defense hepatitis A and B.
For Hepatitis A
If you come in contact with someone with hepatitis A, you can get a specific medication called immune globulin within 2 weeks. Good hygiene is also important. Always wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, before and after handling food, and after changing a diaper.
For Hepatitis B
Getting vaccinated is your best defense!
Avoiding risky behaviors such as unprotected sex and use intravenous drug use in particular with contaminated needles
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For Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus and most people become infected with the Hepatitis C virus by sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs and very rarely nowadays through blood transfusion or infected medical equipment. Therefore avoiding these situations and behaviors that can spread the disease is the best way to prevent hepatitis C
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Consult a doctor for medical advice or visit us at PEOPLE CARE INSTITUTE for more information
Note: The information you see here is general and describes what usually happens with a medical condition, but doesn't apply to everyone. This information IS NOT a substitute for professional medical advice, so please make sure to contact a healthcare provider if you have a medical problem.