What is viral hepatitis caused by?

Heavy alcohol use, toxins, some medications, and certain medical conditions can cause hepatitis. However, hepatitis is often caused by a virus. In the United States, the most common types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

What is the most common cause of viral hepatitis in the world?

Hepatitis A and E are typically caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B, C and D usually occur as a result of parenteral contact with infected body fluids.

Is viral hepatitis STD?

Sexual Transmission and Hepatitis C

Although not common, hepatitis C can be transmitted through sexual activity. Having a sexually transmitted infection, having sex with multiple partners, and engaging in anal sex appear to increase a person's risk for hepatitis C.

Is viral hepatitis treated?

There is no cure for hepatitis once it occurs. Treatment focuses on preventing further damage to the liver, reversing existing damage if possible and symptom relief. Most cases of acute hepatitis will resolve over time.

How long does viral hepatitis last?

People with acute viral hepatitis usually recover in 4 to 8 weeks, even without treatment. However, some people infected with hepatitis B or C develop chronic infections.

Can you get hepatitis from food?

Hepatitis A virus may also be spread by consuming food or drink that has been handled by an infected person. Waterborne outbreaks are infrequent and are usually associated with sewage-contaminated or inadequately treated water. Casual contact, as in the office, factory or school setting, does not spread the virus.

What happens if you have viral hepatitis?

Symptoms of chronic viral hepatitis can take decades to develop. Symptoms of hepatitis can include: fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, light-colored stools, joint pain, and jaundice.

Can I get hepatitis from kissing?

No. Hepatitis B is not spread through touching or saliva. You can only get hepatitis B from infected blood or specific body fluids.

Is viral hepatitis serious?

Some types will pass without any serious problems, while others can be long-lasting (chronic) and cause scarring of the liver (cirrhosis), loss of liver function and, in some cases, liver cancer.

Is viral hepatitis harmful?

Viral hepatitis can be fatal

Viral hepatitis types A, B, C, D, and E can cause infection and subsequent liver inflammation that can lead to serious diseases, including liver cancer, or even death. People who contract hepatitis A and E almost always recover and do not need treatment.

What kills hepatitis?

The virus is killed by heating to 185 degrees F (85 degrees C) for one minute. However, the virus can still be spread from cooked food if it is contaminated after cooking.

What are the signs of viral hepatitis?

Symptoms of hepatitis can include: fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, light-colored stools, joint pain, and jaundice.

Can you recover from viral hepatitis?

Most adults infected with hepatitis B are able to fight off the virus and fully recover from the infection within a couple of months. But most people infected as children develop a long-term infection. This is known as chronic hepatitis B, and can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

How long can you live with viral hepatitis?

People with hepatitis C can live many years after diagnosis, but the range varies. A 2014 study showed that patients infected with hepatitis C virus died on average 15 years sooner than people who did not have the illness. With hepatitis C, the liver becomes seriously damaged due to inflammation.

Can you get hepatitis from talking to someone?

The virus cannot be transmitted through casual contact, like sharing a cup or eating utensils with someone who has it. Hugging, holding hands, and kissing also will not transmit it. You cannot contract hepatitis C from someone sneezing or coughing on you.

Which hepatitis is not curable?

A vaccine can prevent hepatitis B, but there's no cure if you have the condition. If you're infected, taking certain precautions can help prevent spreading the virus to others.

Can hepatitis be treated completely?

A vaccine can prevent hepatitis B, but there's no cure if you have the condition. If you're infected, taking certain precautions can help prevent spreading the virus to others.

How can I get rid of hepatitis fast?

• No specific treatment exists for hepatitis A. Your body will clear the hepatitis A virus on its own. In most cases of hepatitis A, the liver heals within six months with no lasting damage.

Can you get hepatitis from a toilet?

Hepatitis C is spread by direct contact with infected blood. The virus cannot be passed through toilet seats.

Can kissing transmit hepatitis?

• No. Hepatitis B is not spread through touching or saliva. You can only get hepatitis B from infected blood or specific body fluids.

Which is silent killer hepatitis?

Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver caused by, you guessed it, the hepatitis C virus. As a disease, it can be a scary and often unknown entity. Often known as the silent killer since many infected are asymptomatic, hepatitis C, or HCV, is more common than many people know.

Does hepatitis shorten your life?

Hepatitis C is a virus that can infect the liver. If left untreated, it can sometimes cause serious and potentially life-threatening damage to the liver over many years. However, with modern treatments it's easily possible to cure the infection and most people with it will have a normal life expectancy.

How is viral hepatitis diagnosed?

Tests that can help diagnose hepatitis B or its complications are:

• Blood tests. Blood tests can detect signs of the hepatitis B virus in your body and tell your provider whether it's acute or chronic. …
• Liver ultrasound. A special ultrasound called transient elastography can show the amount of liver damage.
• Liver biopsy.

Can you live a normal life with hepatitis?

The most important thing to remember is that hepatitis B is a chronic medical condition (such as diabetes and high blood pressure) that can be successfully managed if you take good care of your health and your liver. You should expect to live a long, full life.

How long does hepatitis usually last?

Symptoms are more likely to occur in adults than in children. They usually last less than two (2) months, although some people can be ill for as long as six (6) months. Most people who get hepatitis A recover completely and do not have lasting liver damage.

Can you recover from hepatitis on your own?

No specific treatment exists for hepatitis A. Your body will clear the hepatitis A virus on its own. In most cases of hepatitis A, the liver heals within six months with no lasting damage.