Hepatitis Virus Symptom, Treatment, Vaccine, Cure, Picture, Cause and prevention

Information on Hepatitis

The term 'hepatitis' means inflammation of the liver. There are many different types, which are given alphabetical titles. Currently there are at least 13 separate groups, with Hepatitis M as the most recent, but undoubtedly there will be more to come. The most common are types A, B and C. Hepatitis can vary from very mild to very severe, life threatening or long-term. Cirrhosis, a liver disease, is a major complication and may need hospital treatment. Occasionally a liver transplant is required to save life.

Cause of Hepatitis

There are many different causes of hepatitis and a rapidly expanding number of treatments. Vaccination is available for Hepatitis A, Band C, and travellers to places where they are particularly at risk should always take the opportunity to protect themselves.

The most common cause of hepatitis is infection, and people at risk of hepatitis include travellers, drug users, homosexuals, those who work in institutions or day care centres and those who have regular blood transfusions, such as haemophiliacs.

Type of Hepatitis

All types of hepatitis can be diagnosed by blood tests. Blood tests are readily available, either from your doctor or a local genito-urinary clinic. The tests are able to distinguish whether you have had the illness or whether you are currently suffering and infectious. A person who is very ill with hepatitis may need a liver biopsy, whereby a small sample of tissue is analysed to see how much damage has been done to the liver. Most people with hepatitis will recover within three months, but will have to avoid alcohol during the illness and for a minimum of three months after they have recovered.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B and C