|
|
|
|
Hepatitis
*
This document provides general information only. For more information
on these topics and others please follow the resource links
at the bottom of each information page. If you have specific
questions about diseases and conditions, please refer them to
a licensed physician.
Viral hepatitis refers to a group of liver diseases caused
by consuming contaminated water or food, using dirty needles
or syringes, or practicing unsafe sex.
Three of the six identified Hepatitis viruses – known
as A, B and C – cause about 90 per cent of acute hepatitis
cases in Canada.
People infected with hepatitis can experience effects ranging
from mild illness to serious liver damage. Many people recover
from an infection, while others become carriers of the disease
and can spread it to others unknowingly.
It is especially important for women who are pregnant or trying
to become pregnant to get tested for hepatitis. It is also
important to know the symptoms of illness related to acute
hepatitis, and how to minimize your risk. Below are some answers
to frequently asked questions and additional
hepatitis links.
Symptoms
Typical symptoms of acute hepatitis are:
- fever
- appetite loss
- nausea
- abdominal pain
- jaundice (yellowish colour on the skin and eyeballs)
Minimize Risk
Hepatitis A can be prevented by a variety of vaccines adapted
to individual needs. Careful handwashing is one of the best
preventive measures against hepatitis A. Contact your family
physician, a local travel clinic, or the Canadian Immunization
Guide to find out more about these vaccines. Antibiotics are
ineffective against HAV.
Hepatitis B can be prevented by adopting safe sex practices;
giving hepatitis immune globulin to people who have had recent
contact with infected body fluids (seven days or less); and
immunization with a hepatitis B vaccine.
Hepatitis C can be prevented by avoiding sharing needles or
any other drug equipment; wearing latex gloves if you are likely
to be in contact with someone else's blood; and practicing safe
sex. If you are getting a tattoo, body piercing or acupuncture,
choose a reputable licensed person and ensure all equipment
is sterile. Do not allow anyone to use homemade
or reused equipment, including needles, ink or jewellery.
FAQ
Q. How is the hepatitis A virus transmitted?
A.The hepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted when we eat or
drink something that is contaminated. Raw or undercooked food,
food handled by people who have not washed their hands; or water
contaminated by animal or human waste are often sources of the
virus.
Q. How is the hepatitis B virus transmitted?
A. The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the most prevalent hepatitis
strain in the world. People with acute HBV or who are carriers
can spread the virus by sexual contact or through blood or other
body fluids.
Q. What are the long-term affects of the hepatitis B virus?
A. Many people infected with the hepatitis B virus recover completely
and develop lifelong immunity to the virus. About 90 per cent
of babies born to mothers who are hepatitis B carriers have
a high chance of developing chronic HBV in later life, which
can lead to diseases such as cirrhosis and cancer of the liver.
Q. How is the hepatitis C virus transmitted?
A. Injection drug use is associated with at least half of HCV
infections but you can also get HCV through tattooing and body
piercing. In Canada, it is estimated that between 210,000 and
275,000 people are currently infected with hepatitis C, of whom
only 30 per cent know they have the virus. At present there
is no vaccine against HCV.
Q. What are the health effects of hepatitis C?
A. HCV affects the liver, an essential organ that acts as a
filter for chemicals and toxins that enter the body. The liver
also helps digest food, stores vitamins and minerals and aids
in manufacturing blood. The illness begins with flu-like symptoms
such as fatigue, fever, body aches and pains, and perhaps nausea
or vomiting. Urine might become dark brown and in severe infections,
the skin and eyes may turn yellow (become jaundiced). The course
of the disease in the chronic phase is slow and may last a lifetime.
Up to 20 per cent of those infected develop cirrhosis, which
severely damages the liver. A smaller percentage develop liver
cancer.
Q. What is the treatment for HCV?
A. Currently, there is no vaccine or cure for HCV. Treatment
usually involves a combination of the drugs interferon and ribavirin.
If you think you may be at risk for hepatitis C, see your doctor.
The disease can be detected by a simple blood test, and there
are steps and medications you can take to minimize the effects
of the disease.
Links
Health
Canada
Canadian
Immunization Guide
Source: Health Canada
|
|
|
|
