Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver that can be caused by viral infections, use of certain drugs, or immune problems. However, most cases of hepatitis are caused by viral infections, including hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses. In this case , hepatitis can be divided into two categories based on its nature, namely acute (short and sudden) and chronic ( prolonged) . ) . It should be noted that both have effects that inhibit the body's metabolic function. In addition, hepatitis is known to be a disease that can attack people of all ages, especially children who are at high risk of developing this disease. Therefore, it is important for parents to recognize the symptoms of hepatitis in children.
3 Types of Hepatitis that are Susceptible to Attacking Children
The following are several hepatitis variants that are at risk of attacking children , namely :
- Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV) which is spread through food or water contaminated with the hepatitis A virus. Children are susceptible to this infection because they often do not have sufficient immunity to the virus.
Symptoms of hepatitis A in children include fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and yellow skin and eyes (icterus). In fact, some children infected with hepatitis A may not show any symptoms at all.
- Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) which can spread through direct contact with blood, body fluids, or sexual contact with individuals infected with the hepatitis B virus. Children can become infected through mothers who are infected during childbirth, or through contact with blood and body fluids infected with the hepatitis B virus.
Symptoms of hepatitis B in children include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, fever, yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine and pale stools. Hepatitis B infection in children can become chronic and continue into adulthood, which can cause serious liver damage.
- Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) which spreads through contact with blood infected with the hepatitis C virus. Children can be infected through unsafe blood transfusions or through mothers who are infected during childbirth. However, the symptoms of hepatitis C in children are often difficult to recognize, and this infection can progress to serious chronic liver disease.
How to Prevent Hepatitis in Children
How to prevent hepatitis in children is adjusted to the conditions and risk of hepatitis that occurs. To prevent the spread of hepatitis A, it is important for children to get the recommended vaccinations and adopt clean and healthy living habits , such as washing their hands well and ensuring that the food they consume is guaranteed to be clean, and not snacking carelessly.
Next, carry out routine hepatitis B vaccine immunization for children according to the doctor's recommendations as the main preventive measure so that they are not infected with the hepatitis B virus. Apart from that, avoid contact with infected blood and body fluids, it is necessary to educate children about the importance of not sharing needles, syringes and other injectable equipment, as well as the need for screening before a blood transfusion is given to a blood donor recipient.
It is important for parents to be aware of risk factors and ensure children get tested for hepatitis C if they are exposed to infected blood. There is currently no vaccine available for hepatitis C, so the best prevention is to avoid contact with infected blood and ensure medical practices use sterile and safe equipment.
Hepatitis in children is something we don't want. Therefore, it is important for parents to understand the importance of prevention and early recognition of hepatitis in children. Recognizing early symptoms and ensuring children get recommended vaccinations can protect them from the risk of serious hepatitis infections. Apart from that, it is also important to teach children clean and healthy living habits . If you experience symptoms of hepatitis in your child, immediately consult a doctor to get appropriate and appropriate care and treatment.
Article written by dr. Analysa Margaretha Bogar, Sp.A (Children's Specialist at EMC Sentul Hospital).