Hepatitis A, B & C

Let’s talk about hepatitis, what it is and how to prevent it:

What is it?

An inflammation of the liver without specific cause.

What causes it?

Caused by one of three virses:

• the hepatitis A virus
• the hepatitis B virus
• the hepatitis C virus

Hepatitis A
This is the most common type of hepatitis found In children.  It is a virus which lives in the stools (feces) of those who are infected with it.  Most commonly, small traces of stool can be found in food and on objects such as diaper, toilet handles, door knobs, etc.

It can be spread when someone ingests anything that’s contaminated with HAV-infected stool.  It is very important for schools, daycares, hospitals and doctor’s offices, public areas with lots of traffic to ensure they are sterilizing public restrooms properly.

Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B  is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Symptoms can range from general poor health to chronic liver disease that can lead to liver cancer.

It’s transmitted through:

• body fluids – blood, saliva, semen, vaginal fluids, tears, and urine
• contaminated blood transfusion
• contaminated needles
• transmission from infected mothers to newborn babies

Hepatitis C
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread by exposure/contact with infected blood. Symptoms can mimic hepatitis A and B viruses and can lead to chronic liver disease.

It’s spread by:

• sharing needles
• tattoos or body piercings with unsanitized instruments
• blood transfusions
• mother to baby transmission
• sexual relations

Diagnosis

Is usually determined through a blood test

Signs and Symptoms

Flu-like symptoms, including:

• an ill feeling
• fever
• muscle aches
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• jaundice
• But some may have no symptoms at all
• Children with hepatitis A have mild symptoms or have no symptoms.

Progressed symptoms include

• jaundice
• foul breath
• a bitter taste in the mouth
• dark or “tea-colored” urine
• white, light, or “clay-colored” stools

Prevention

• Stay clean and sterile especially in higly populated aresFollow good hygiene and avoid crowded, unhealthy living conditions.
• Take caution when travelling – know how clean your drinking, swimming and bathing water is!
• Wash your hands after using the restroom
• Wash before you eat
  
• Use antiseptic cleansers to sterilze your environment and when washing your hands

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