Contagious and can attack all ages, that's what makes hepatitis feared throughout the world. To increase awareness of hepatitis, the World Health Organization (WHO) has designated July 28 as World Hepatitis Day. Even so, it turns out that knowledge about hepatitis in Indonesia tends to be low, while cases of hepatitis that occur tend to be high. For that, let's find out more about this disease.
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can be caused by viruses, chemicals, toxins, drugs, and infections. Hepatitis is divided into five types, namely A, B, C, D, and E. In particular, hepatitis B and C are the most common cause of chronic disease cirrhosis and liver cancer. Below you can find out more about each type of hepatitis.
Hepatitis A
Caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV) found in the feces of sufferers. The virus can be transmitted through water and food contaminated with the patient's feces. In this type, the infection tends to be mild and the patient can recover. Although it does not rule out the possibility of becoming severe and dangerous if not treated immediately.
Hepatitis A is common in countries that have a lot of slum areas. The area has a poor sanitation system that makes it easier for the virus to spread.
Hepatitis B
The hepatitis B virus is transmitted through the patient's body fluids, such as blood, salivary glands, sperm, or vaginal fluids. Sharing needles and having sex without using a condom can increase the risk of contracting the hepatitis B virus. Pregnant women with hepatitis B can also transmit this virus to their babies during childbirth.
Hepatitis C
Type C hepatitis is transmitted through body fluids, especially blood. The spread of the virus can occur when blood transfusions or use of products contaminated with patient blood. Until now there is no vaccine for hepatitis C.
Hepatitis D
This type of hepatitis is indeed rare. The hepatitis D virus can only develop in the body of someone with hepatitis B.
Hepatitis E
This type is the last of the five types of hepatitis. The hepatitis E virus is spread through water and food. Just like hepatitis A, hepatitis E is common in areas that are still developing and tend to be slums.
Apart from these five viruses, hepatitis can also attack those of you who have autoimmune diseases. In this condition, the body's immune system attacks and causes damage to the body's own cells and tissues, including liver cells. As a result, the liver becomes inflamed and is known as autoimmune hepatitis.
Sometimes, hepatitis does not cause obvious symptoms. As a result, people with hepatitis often do not realize that their body has been attacked by a virus. Some of the symptoms that can occur are:
- Weakness and fever
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Joint and muscle pain
- The skin and the whites of the eyes are yellow
- The color of the stool is pale and the urine is dark like tea
If you or someone close to you experiences some of these symptoms, immediately visit the nearest hospital to consult a doctor. The sooner the diagnosis and treatment is carried out, the better.
Treatment for Patients with Hepatitis
Different types of hepatitis, different ways of handling it. Generally, acute hepatitis types A, B, and E do not require a specific type of treatment. The focus of treatment is to relieve the symptoms that appear.
In chronic hepatitis, treatment to inhibit viral duplication and prevent cirrhosis, cancer, and liver failure. Medications used to treat chronic hepatitis include ribavirin, simeprevir, and other antiviral drugs as well as interferon injections. Sufferers also need to stop consuming alcohol and smoking so as not to exacerbate the damage to the liver.
Apart from taking drugs, there are several things hepatitis patients can do. Rest is one of the main things that must be done because of the weak and easily tired body condition. To prevent transmission of the virus to partners, people with hepatitis should avoid sexual activity.
Now, you know more about hepatitis. Keep in mind that hepatitis is contagious, especially in an unsanitary environment. For that, make sure you always maintain good personal hygiene. Make it a habit to wash your hands before and after activities, don't share needles, and use condoms before having sex. #LiveExcellently