HEALTHY LIVING: What do you know about Hepatitis?

What do you know about Hepatitis?
» Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver. It can have a number of
different causes, including infection (viruses, bacteria, fungi and
parasites), drugs and chemicals.

» One common form of hepatitis is caused by drinking too much alcohol
over a long period of time and is referred to as 'alcoholic
hepatitis'.

» Viruses are the most common cause of hepatitis due to infection.
There are a number of different viruses that cause hepatitis
(hepatitis A, B, C, D and E viruses)

» Hepatitis A virus spreads by the fecal-oral route and infections
often occur in conditions of poor sanitation and overcrowding.

» The signs and symptoms of Hepatitis A include:
-Fatigue
-Fever
-Abdominal pain
-Nausea
-Appetite loss
-Jaundice, a yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes
-Bile is removed from bloodstream and excreted in urine, giving it a
dark amber colour
-Clay-coloured faeces

» Hepatitis A can be prevented by vaccination, good hygiene and sanitation.

» There is no specific treatment for Hepatitis A. Sufferers are
advised to rest, avoid fatty foods and alcohol (these may be poorly
tolerated for some additional months during the recovery phase and
cause minor relapses), eat a well-balanced diet, and stay hydrated
(drink a lot of water).