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Hepatitus

Dear Anai,

I'm confused about hepatitis. How many are there? What can I do to protect myself?

Thank you!

Emily Fargus from Arizona State

Answer:

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can be directly linked to five known types of this disease. When the liver is agitated from hepatitis, it stops regulating bile for digestion. Eventually, the liver cannot function properly, so it begins to decrease it's constant vigil against certain toxins and poisons from seeping into the bloodstream.

The most common symptoms for Hepatitis are:

• abdominal pain/cramping
• fatigue
• excessive vomiting
• fever
• loss of appetite

The least common include:

• grey stools
• pale-beige stools
• dark urine
• yellow skin
• whites of eyes turning yellow

Hepatitis A can be caught by drinking contaminated water, food, feces, or by someone close to you. The most at risk for Hepatitis A are those who travel or are around children on daily basis, such as a teacher or daycare provider. Class A has a vaccine available to patients who wish to prevent it altogether.

Hepatitis B is transmitted through sexual contact, blood transfusion, cuts in the skin, andintravenous drug activity. There is a vaccine to prevent Hepatitis B. Those most at risk are needle drug users and those who have multiple partners. Keep in mind, you do not have to have multiple sexual partners to contract Hepatitis. Just like AIDS or any other sexually transmitted illness, it only takes one time to get it. Hepatitis B increases risk of liver cancer.

Hepatitis C is similar to Hepatitis B, but C is not contracted sexually. There is no vaccine available to prevent Hepatitis C. Those who have contracted it run a high risk of chronic liver disease.

Hepatitis D is an extension of Hepatitis B. The vaccine that works for Hepatitis B will for work for Hepatitis D as well.

Hepatitis E is the "travellers" Hepatitis. This one is rare, but if contracted by a pregnant woman, it can result in death for both mother and unborn child. There is no vaccine to support this class of Hepatitis. It is found in feces, contaminated food and drink. The two countries where this can be found most are Africa and India.

Not all Hepatitis patients have symptoms, which can be disturbing to those carrying it and those who fear getting it. ©1998 Anai Rhoads.