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What is Hepatitis? Hepatitis is an
inflammation of the liver caused by different hepatitis
viruses, drugs, alcohol and other medications. The most
common type of viral hepatitis are Hepatitis A, B and C.
Hepatitis A is the least serious form while Hepatitis B
and C may cause liver cirrhosis or scarring of the
liver, liver cancer and even liver failure if left
untreated.
The most common symptoms of
hepatitis are severe flu-like symptoms, including
fatigue, loss of appetite, vomiting, fever, weakness and
mild abdominal pain. Less common symptoms may include
dark urine and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the
eyes).
It can be transmitted through
sexual contact, from mother to baby at birth, sharing of
toothbrushes, nail files and needles. You can also get
it from exposure to infected blood and other body
fluids. Although Hepatitis A is less severe in all the
forms of Hepatitis but you can easily get it from food
or drinking water contaminated with the virus.
The most effective way to prevent
infection from this virus is to have a vaccine.
Other preventive
measures include good hygiene and sanitation, practice
safe sex, and regular medical check-up.
Other forms of Hepatitis viruses
are Hepatitis D, E, F, G, Autoimmune Chronic Hepatitis,
and Hepatitis caused by alcohol and drugs.
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