What is the difference between Hepatitis A, B, and C?

1. What is the difference between Hepatitis A, B, and C? Hepatitis is an inflammatory liver condition, caused by various factors such as hygiene, contamination of food and water, being born to an infected mother, sexual relations with an infected partner etc. Five types of Hepatitis infections have been identified by the doctors; Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. All of which can either be acute or chronic. Different types of viruses cause different infections to the liver. Since the symptoms of each are mild and often goes unnoticed, it is important to take them seriously and report to the doctor. What is Hepatitis A? The most common of all, Hepatitis A is a highly contagious infection caused when a person ingests Hepatitis A virus (HAV) from consumption of food and drinks contaminated by the feces of an infected person. This infection is primarily concerned with the hygiene and sanitation habits of an individual. A person can be exposed to HAV through contact with an infected person; personal or sexual, being born to an infected mother, not having maintained personal hygiene, or consumption of contaminated food or drinks. It can be prevented by vaccinations. It is a reversible condition, but there can be cases of Fulminant Hepatic Failure wherein a liver transplant surgery must be performed, according to Dr. Vivek Vij, top liver transplant surgeon in India.

2. What is Hepatitis B? Hepatitis B is a contagious hepatic infection, caused to a person when by exposure to bodily fluids of an infected person. Transmission of bodily fluids such as saliva, blood, semen etc. of an infected person, can expose a person to Hepatic B virus (HBV). It can be both, acute and chronic. Risk of chronic Hepatitis B decreases with the age. Infants are more prone to chronic infection. Having sexual contact with an infected person, being born to an infected mother, sharing needles or syringes with an infected person, or personal items like razor and toothbrush can cause HBV to spread. The symptoms, yet again, are mild therefore a person must ensure to avoid transmission of bodily fluids with an infected person. Hepatitis C can cause liver damage, failure of the organ, and often lead to death. Vaccinating to prevent Hepatitis B is an effective method of precaution. What is Hepatitis C? Hepatitis C is a blood bourn infection, caused when the blood of an infected person enter into your body. Transfusion of blood is the only cause of Hepatitis C. It is caused by Hepatitis C virus (HCB). It can be caused by various ways such as sharing needles or syringes, being born to an infected mother, sharing razors and toothbrush with an infected person, low infection control measures while getting a tattoo or a piercing. Unlike Hepatitis A and B, this does not have preventive vaccination. Chronic Hepatitis C can often lead to liver cancer, organ failure, and death. Symptoms of Hepatitis A, B, and C:       Fatigue Nausea Discomfort in the upper side of the right abdomen Dark colored urine Jaundice Loss of appetite The symptoms, as mild as they may seem, must be acted upon urgently to avoid any damage to the liver. Hepatitis A, B, and C have the potential to cause hepatic failure, therefore if any of the symptoms persists, it is important that a person consults a doctor. Read More Info…Success rate of liver transplant