Key Points
Hepatitis is caused by five main viruses: hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E..
Risk factors for Hepatitis A: Poor sanitation, contaminated food or water, close contact with an infected person, travel to areas with poor sanitation...
Risk factors for Hepatitis B: Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person, sharing of needles or personal items like razors or toothbrushes with an infected person, mother-to-child transmission during childbirth, healthcare workers' exposure to infected blood.. "90 per cent of the patients with acute hepatitis A will recover over 4-6 weeks, they will be very sick for 2 weeks and jaundice will disappear by 8 weeks. 10 per cent of individuals might have serious liver damage leading to liver failure, depending on the type of virus causing it," said Dr Santosh Ennaganti...
Risk factors for Hepatitis C: Sharing of needles or equipment for drug use, receiving blood transfusions or organ transplants before widespread screening of the blood supply (prior to 1992), needle stick injuries in healthcare settings, and less commonly, mother-to-child transmission and sexual transmission...
Dr Shubham Vatsya, Consultant Gastroenterology at Fortis Escorts Hospital, told IndiaToday.in that people should protect themselves from hepatitis by practicing good hygiene, getting vaccinated for hepatitis A and B, using safe sex practices, avoiding sharing needles or personal items, and being cautious in healthcare settings...
