Viral hepatitis: the most Prevailing liver disease

Viral Hepatitis

Viral hepatitis commonly known as hepatitis refers to an infection caused by a virus resulting in short term inflammation of the liver. Any of the Hepatitis virus i.e. A, B, C, D or E can cause viral hepatitis.

Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A is caused by an infection with hepatitis A virus (HAV) which majorly spreads by consuming food or water contaminated with feces of a person already infected with hepatitis A. The hepatitis caused by HAV is majorly acute illness which lasts for about 6 months and never becomes chronic. It is one of the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis.(1)

Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is caused by Hepatitis B virus (HBV) which is transmitted through infectious body fluids i.e. blood, vaginal secretion or semen. Hepatitis B can range from a mild illness to a life-long chronic condition.

Hepatitis C: Hepatitis C is caused by Hepatitis C virus (HCV) which is transmitted from an infected person through body fluid only. It may get transmitted by sharing equipment that has been contaminated with blood from an infected person such as needle and syringe or receiving a blood transfusion from an infected person or from mother to child.

Hepatitis E: Hepatitis E is a waterborne disease caused by Hepatitis E virus (HEV) in areas with poor sanitation and results from ingesting contaminated water with fecal matter.

Signs and Symptoms of Viral Hepatitis:

The most common symptoms of acute viral hepatitis includes:

·         Loss of appetite

·         Nausea

·         Vomiting

·         Fever

·         Weakness

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