Viral Hepatitis

Viral hepatitis

Viral hepatitis is a group of infectious diseases characterized by liver inflammation caused by viruses.

There are the following main forms of viral hepatitis:

Hepatitis A (or epidemic) is transmitted by the fecal-oral route, most often through dirty hands, water and food.

Hepatitis B (or serum) - transmitted through blood, sexually, from mother to child.

Hepatitis C is a parenteral route of infection, often chronic.

Hepatitis D - only against the background of hepatitis B.

Hepatitis E - fecal-oral transmission mechanism, epidemic outbreaks.

Symptoms of viral hepatitis:

1. yellowness of the skin and sclera
2. dark urine
3. discolored stool
4. weakness, malaise
5. nausea, vomiting
6. loss of appetite
7. liver enlargement

Complications:

1. acute liver failure
2. chronic hepatitis
3. cirrhosis of the liver
4. hepatocellular carcinoma

Diagnosis is based on the clinical picture, epidemiological history and laboratory tests (biochemical blood test, PCR, immunological study).

Treatment is mainly symptomatic. There are vaccines for hepatitis A and B.

Prevention of viral hepatitis:

1. compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards
2. control of donor blood
3. safe sex
4. vaccination
5. protective equipment for health workers

Thus, viral hepatitis is a common group of infectious liver diseases that require comprehensive preventive measures to prevent infection.