Hepatitis ABC

Hepatitis is a term that refers to inflammation of the liver. Among the three most common strains of viral hepatitis in the India – Hepatitis A, B & C – each virus has similar symptoms. However, strains differ by the mode of transmission and how the specific virus affects the liver. Hepatitis can be caused by – Genetic Diseases, Medications (including over the counter), Alcohol and Hepatitis Viruses.

Hepatitis A

Modes of Transmission –

Ingestion of fecal matter, even in microscopic amounts, from :

1. Close person – to – person contact with a Hepatitis A – infected person.
2. Sexual contact with a Hepatitis – A infected person.
3. Contaminated food or drinks.
4. Contaminated drug paraphernalia (works).

Risk Activities –

1. Travel to countries where Hepatitis – A is common.
2. Sexual contact with a Hepatitis – A infected person.
3. Use of illegal drugs (injection or non – injection).
4. Living with a clotting factor disorder.

Prevention Methods –

1. Hepatitis A vaccination.
2. Immune globulin.
3. Proper hand washing with soap after the use of toilets and changing diapers, and before preparing and eating food.

Treatment Option –

1. Provides supportive treatments (for e.g. bed rest).
2. No Hepatitis – A specific medications are available.

Hepatitis B

Modes of Transmission –

Contact with infectious blood, semen and other bodily fluids, primarily through :

1. Birth from a Hepatitis – B infected mother.
2. Sexual contact with a Hepatitis – B infected person.
3. Sharing needles, syringes or drug paraphernalia (works).
4. Needle sticks or sharp instrument injuries.

Less commonly through :

1. Tattooing / body piercing.

Risk Activities –

1. Birth from a Hepatitis – B infected mother.
2. Sexual contact with a Hepatitis – B infected person.
3. Multiple sexual partners.
4. Living with a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD).
5. Injection drug use.
6. Living with a Hepatitis – B infected person.
7. Occupational exposure to blood.
8. Long term hemodialysis.
9. Living or working in a setting that houses developmentally disabled individuals.

Prevention Methods –

1. Hepatitis B vaccination.
2. Immune globulin.
3. Hepatitis B screening during each pregnancy.
4. For infants born to Hepatitis – B infected mothers, immune globulin dosage and vaccine within 12 hours of birth.
5. Use of condoms for sex.
6. Not sharing personal care items (e.g. razors, toothbrushes).
7. Not sharing needles, syringes or drug paraphernalia (works).
8. Ensure use of sterile equipment for any tattoo or body piercing.
9. Proper infection control in health care settings and public safety work.

Treatment Options –

1. For acute Hepatitis B, provide supportive treatment.
2. For chronic Hepatitis B, provide regular monitoring for signs of liver disease progression and consider antiviral medication.

Hepatitis C

Modes of Transmission –

Contact with infectious blood, primarily through :

1. Sharing needles, syringes or drug paraphernalia (works).

Less commonly through :

1. Sexual contact with a Hepatitis C infected person.
2. Birth from a Hepatitis C infected mother.
3. Needles stick or sharp instrument injuries.
4. Tattooing / body piercing.

Risk Activities –

1. Current or past injection drug use.
2. Receipt of blood or organs prior to July 1992.
3. Receipt of clotting factor concentrates before 1987.
4. Long term hemodialysis.
5. Occupational exposure to blood.
6. Birth from a Hepatitis C infected mother.

Prevention Methods –

1. Not sharing needles, syringes or drug paraphernalia (works).
2. Use of condom for sex.
3. Not sharing personal care items (e.g. razors, toothbrushes) ensure use of sterile equipment for any tattoo or body piercing.
4. Proper infection control in health care settings and public safety work.

Treatment Options –

1. For acute Hepatitis C, provide supportive treatment and consider antiviral medication.
2. For chronic Hepatitis C, provide regular monitoring for signs of liver disease progression and consider antiviral medication.