Hepatitis is an inflammatory liver condition that affects people all over the globe. Divided into various types depending on the virus that causes the infection, this health condition can either lead to acute or chronic illness, or in certain cases, lead to life-threatening scenarios. Though this infection is highly contagious, it is a preventable condition. Read on to know more about the prevention and treatment for different types of hepatitis.
1. Hepatitis A
- Prevention
Maintain proper hygiene by always keeping your hands clean, especially after using the washroom. Additionally, stay away from unclean food items and water. Also, taking the vaccine can help prevent hepatitis A infection. - Treatment
Generally, hepatitis A, one of the common types of hepatitis, is a mild condition that gets better with time as the body clears out the infection-causing virus on its own. Taking proper rest, using medications to manage the symptoms, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are recommended ways to treat this condition.
2. Hepatitis B
- Prevention
Vaccination is the time-tested way to prevent hepatitis B, one of the most common types of hepatitis. Additionally, avoiding unprotected sexual intercourse, not sharing needles or personal items such as razors, etc., are precautionary measures that you can take to stay away from this infection. - Treatment
The treatment for hepatitis B depends on whether the person is suffering from acute or chronic hepatitis B. In cases of acute hepatitis B, the virus leaves the body within some time. However, for chronic hepatitis B, the person may have to either take antiviral medications, interferon injections or go for liver transplant depending on the severity of the condition.
3. Hepatitis C
- Prevention
To prevent an infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), it is critical to steer clear of narcotics, avoid unsafe sex, and maintain proper caution while getting piercings or tattoos. - Treatment
Among the most common types of hepatitis, hepatitis C is a serious condition. The person suffering from this liver disease may require antiviral medications to clear the virus from the system, or in a few serious cases, the sufferer may have to go through liver transplantation.
4. Hepatitis D
- Prevention
A hepatitis D vaccine can be taken to prevent an infection. Additionally, taking precautions like not engaging in unprotected sex, staying away from narcotics, being careful of piercings and tattoos, and getting vaccination if you’re traveling to hepatitis D-affected locations can help you prevent this infection. - Treatment
Mostly, the patients of hepatitis D are treated for hepatitis B infection. In general, the sufferer is given immune-modulating medications and antiviral medications to treat the infection. In serious conditions, the person may have to go for a liver transplant.
5. Hepatitis E
- Prevention
To prevent this infection, it is critical to avoid drinking unsanitary water and maintain proper hygiene by keeping the hands clean. - Treatment
The treatment for this infection would depend on the seriousness of the condition. Generally, the patients of hepatitis E are given medications that help improve the overall health of the liver and enable it to function efficiently.