What does "Hepatitis" mean?
Table of Contents
Hepatitis is an illness that affects the liver, the organ responsible for filtering blood and helping with digestion. When someone has hepatitis, their liver becomes swollen and may not work as well as it should.
Types of Hepatitis
There are several types of hepatitis. The most common ones are hepatitis A, B, and C. Each type is caused by different viruses:
- Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food and water.
- Hepatitis B spreads through contact with infected body fluids, like blood or sexual activity.
- Hepatitis C usually spreads through blood.
Symptoms
People with hepatitis may feel tired, have stomach pain, and notice changes in their skin or eyes, which may turn yellow (a condition called jaundice). Some people may not feel any symptoms at all.
Importance of Prevention
Preventing hepatitis is key, especially in areas where the disease is common. Vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B. Good hygiene practices, like washing hands and safe food handling, can help prevent hepatitis A.
Co-Infection
Sometimes, people can be infected with more than one type of hepatitis at the same time, or with other viruses like HIV. This can make the illness more serious.
It is important for people to get tested, especially if they have risk factors or live in areas where hepatitis is more common. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the disease and protect liver health.