16th July was World Hepatitis Day
Issued by: Magna Carta
Hepatitis is a virus that is more common than most people realise and is most often caused by a viral infection so can be very easily contracted.
Here is some advice from Clicks to help you become more aware of Hepatitis and its symptoms and treatment.
The first point that needs to be made is that there is more than one kind of hepatitis virus: the different kinds are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and also Hepatitis D, E, F and G which is now called GB virus C, as well as acute and chronic Hepatitis. Acute is when it lasts for less than six months and chronic is the term used when it lasts for longer than six months.
Hepatitis A and E are typically caused by drinking or eating contaminated food and/or water. Hepatitis B, C and D are most often as a result of blood transfusions using contaminated blood or invasive medical procedures using contaminated medical equipment - something that is more prevalent than most people would like to acknowledge. Hepatitis B is also transmitted through sexual contact.
The most common symptoms of Hepatitis include jaundice, dark urine, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
The name Hepatitis is from Ancient Greek hepato- which means liver, and -it is which means inflammation. It refers to the actual damage done to one's liver and is characterised by inflamed cells in the liver's tissue. The virus sometimes heals itself - (see subclinical course reference below), but can also lead to scarring of the liver which results in long-term side effects and treatments.
Hepatitis can be caused by excessive toxins in the system - often from alcohol consumption - and infections. The virus often runs a subclinical course with the patient feeling no side effects and not consulting his/her Doctor but when the disease begins to impair the natural liver functions such as cleansing and bile production for digestion the patient begins to feel unwell and is thus diagnosed.
Treatment and prevention for Hepatitis:Hepatitis is a serious condition and should any symptoms listed here present themselves it is essential to go for blood tests immediately to get an accurate diagnosis and concurrent treatment for the virus.
External links:http://www.aminumber12.org/http://www.aminumber12.org/TheWHA.aspxhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HepatitisEditorial contactKate Thompson
021 417 5833
072 609 9081
kate.thompson@cape.magna-carta.co.za
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