10% of patients experience a relapse during the 6 month period. There is no chronic or carrier state. Rarely, a person may develop fulminate hepatitis A, which is characterized by severe symptoms and may be fatal. Fulminate hepatitis A is more likely in people who already have chronic hepatitis B, hepatitis C or other diseases of the liver.
Transmission
Foodborne hepatitis A is transmitted when an infected person’s hands come in direct contact with food. Infection can occur when individuals eat or drink items that have been handled by an infected person. Unprotected sexual contact is a mode of transmission as well. Poor personal hygiene, contact with shellfish from sewage-contaminated waters and improper disposal of sewage can all lead to a potential hepatitis A transmission.
Treatment
Because hepatitis A typically resolves on its own, there is no standard treatment for HAV. However, if a person has been exposed to HAV, an injection of HAV immune globulin (antibodies) given within 14 days of exposure may prevent the development of illness or lessen the severity of symptoms. During the acute period, general measures such as a healthy diet, plenty of fluids and adequate rest can help make a person feel better.
Prevention
Universal precautions, including frequent hand washing, is a good start to prevention. There is also a vaccine consisting of a 2-shot series, which provides up to 100% protection and can last 20 years. People who travel or work in developing countries or those having close, physical contact with poor sanitary conditions should consider the vaccine.
HEPATITIS B
Hepatitis B (HBV) is a bloodborne virus. It enters the body through direct blood exposure and through sexual contact with an infected person. Less than 5% of adults initially infected with the hepatitis B virus become a carrier, infected with HBV for longer than six months (and likely for life). For people who are infected with HBV at birth or as young children, the risk of becoming a carrier may be as high as 90%.
In the United States, an estimated 850,000 to 2.2 million persons have chronic hepatitis B. Globally, it effects approximately 240 million people and contributes to an estimated 786,000 deaths annually worldwide.
In 2014, there were an estimated 19,200 new hepatits B virus infections in the United States. However, the official number of reported hepatits B cases is much lower. Many people do not know that they are infected
The Basics 10
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