More Hepatitis Viruses – C, D, E, & G

Lets start with a quick over view of the hepatitis viruses:

Hepatitis A is an acute illness that never becomes chronic. This virus is transmitted through direct contact with feces or indirect fecal contamination of food or water.

Hepatitis B is an acute illness for most individuals, however, approximately 8%  of infected patients go on to develop chronic  hepatitis B. This virus is transmitted through sexual contact, contaminated needles,  and infected blood/body fluids.

Hepatitis C is an infectious disease caused by the hepatitis C virus that affects the liver. The virus spreads through contaminated blood or body fluids of an infected person.  Hepatitis C isn’t spread through food, water, or by casual contact.  Patients with chronic hepatitis C are at risk for developing cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer.

Symptoms:

• Loss of appetite/ Nausea
• Fever
• Weakness / Tiredness
• Aching in the abdomen
• Dark urine/ light-colored stools
• Jaundice

There is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C and treatment of chronic hepatitis C, is usually by injections of interferon, as well as a “cocktail” of other medications.

Hepatitis D:

The hepatitis D virus can’t be contracted on its own. It can only develop in people who are already infected with  the hepatitis B virus. Getting vaccinated against hepatitis B will provide protection against hepatitis D since hepatitis B must be present in order for hepatitis D virus to survive. The symptoms for hepatitis D are similar to those of hepatitis B.

Hepatitis D can be acute or chronic and is transmitted through exposure to the bodily fluids of an infected person. There’s currently no cure or vaccine for hepatitis D.

Hepatitis E:

Hepatitis E is a viral hepatitis that is found in countries that lack clean water and sanitation. The hepatitis E virus is a short-term, acute version of hepatitis, which is transmitted through indirect fecal contamination of food or water. The symptoms of hepatitis E resemble those of hepatitis A

Hepatitis E is not known to cause chronic infection, and most people with hepatitis E go on to a full recovery.

Hepatitis G:

The hepatitis G virus was recently discovered (resembles the hepatitis C virus), but more investigation and research is needed.

Ff you suffer from any of the symptoms we have listed, or travel etc. please contact your doctor or healthcare practitioner.