The specific viruses that cause viral hepatitis include Hepatitis A virus (HAV); Hepatitis B virus(HBV); Hepatitis D virus (HDV) delta agent; Hepatitis E virus (HEV) transmitted in epidemic form in Asia, North Africa and Mexico. The incubation period is usually a few days, 30 days on the average. Here in lies the sea of confusion between Yellow fever, Jaundice and Hepatitis. Sadly, it takes less blood to transmit HBV than HIV which causes AIDS. Outbreaks occur in India, Burma, Afghanistan, Algeria and Mexico.
The illness is usually self-limiting with complete recovery within two weeks. The virus (HBV) may be found in blood, saliva, semen and vagina fluids in infected persons. Incubation period is around 6-7 weeks. Chill or chillness may occur. The patient reply Doc, I have fever and my eyes are yellow.
Frequently there is diarrhea, constipation and aversion to smoking for those that smoke. This results in the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood and connective tissues leading to what is called jaundice. Suffice it to say that it is a very deadly ailment with high mortality but totally preventable by an affordable yet very effective yellow fever vaccine which is taken once every ten years. However in the science of medicine, there is a great gulf between these diseases. Certain groups of people are at higher risk of contracting the infection; doctors, nurses, dentists, blood bank staff, patients and staff of haemodialysis centers etc.
HDV may therefore co-infect a person with HBV or super infected a person with chronic hepatitis. The virus is transmitted or spread through contaminated food and water sources which may therefore lead to outbreaks in large population groups. HEPATITIS D (DELTA AGENT) Hepatitis D is a defective virus that is unable to cause hepatitis on its own except in association with HBV. The yellow fever virus causes yellow fever. There seems to be a great deal of confusion about the trio of Yellow fever, Jaundice and Hepatitis.
HBV tends to occur very commonly in homosexual or gay men and intravenous drug users (IVDUs). HEPATITIS B Hepatitis B is usually spread through the inoculation of infected blood or blood products or by sexual intercourse. In this group, death may occur in as many as 60% of them. From the time of infection, it takes 6 weeks to 6 months (average 12-14 weeks) for the infected person to become clinically ill. The subject of yellow fever is beyond the scope of this article.
There is usually a flu-like illness with generalized malaise, fever, muscle aches, joint pains, easy fatigability, sore throat, nasal discharge and loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. Having multiple sexual partners would therefore increase the risk of infection by hepatitis C virus. Diet should consist of palatable meals as identified by the patient. The doctor asked. A wide range of viruses or toxins on the other hand may cause hepatitis.
Hepatitis B immunoglobulin may also protect or attenuate the severity of illness, if given within seven days of exposure to the HBV. The drug Alpha Interferon has been used in patients with acute hepatitis C and found to reduce the risk of progression to chronic hepatitis PREVENTION In general, the careful handling of needles and the screening of blood before transfusion are useful ways to prevent hepatitis. HEPATITIS E This is a waterborne hepatitis virus. To many people, it would seem that fever along with yellow discoloration of the eyes and mucous membranes and skin (technically called Jaundice) must be yellow fever. I have yellow fever doctor, said a patient.
Long lasting infection does not occur. Fluid replacement and multivitamin supplements are adjuncts to the treatment. But mortality is usually high in infected in infected pregnant women (up to 10-20%). Hepatitis B has a very potent and effective vaccine, which gives a lifelong protection and requires only intermittent booster doses. HEPATITIS C May be transmitted by blood transfusion, intravenous drug use, sexual contact and from mother to child.
Death from hepatitis A is very rare. Its spread is therefore favored by overcrowding, poor sanitation and personal hygiene.
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