What is the prognosis of viral hepatitis?

Written by Ye Xi Yong
Infectious Diseases
Updated on September 14, 2024
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China is a country with a high incidence of liver disease, especially hepatitis B. Viral hepatitis is categorized into five types: A, B, C, D, and E. Hepatitis A and E are acute diseases, somewhat similar to the common cold in nature. Many patients with hepatitis A or E recover without seeking hospital treatment. However, hepatitis B and C often progress to chronic hepatitis and require timely and standardized intervention and treatment. If treated promptly and properly, patients can recover just like healthy individuals.

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How do you get viral hepatitis?

Viral hepatitis is primarily due to infection by certain hepatitis viruses. Different types of viral hepatitis have different modes of transmission and routes of spread, and their outcomes and prognoses also vary. Hepatitis A and E are mainly transmitted through the digestive tract and the fecal-oral route, typically from consuming food or water contaminated with hepatitis A or E viruses. Hepatitis B and C, on the other hand, are mainly transmitted through blood, perinatal transmission, and sexual contact, with infection from casual contact being rare.

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Do you need a blood transfusion for viral hepatitis?

The treatment of viral hepatitis generally does not require blood transfusion. The primary treatment methods for viral hepatitis include ensuring plenty of rest, eating smaller and more frequent meals, and paying attention to diet. Additionally, medications that protect the liver, reduce enzyme levels, and alleviate jaundice can be used. For viral hepatitis caused by hepatitis B or C, formal antiviral treatment is also necessary. If liver damage is extremely severe, leading to liver failure and very high bilirubin levels, artificial liver treatment can be administered. Artificial liver treatment is of two types: one is plasma exchange, commonly referred to as a blood transfusion, and the other is protein adsorption; both of these methods are relatively effective.

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Written by Ye Xi Yong
Infectious Diseases
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How to prevent viral hepatitis

Viral hepatitis can be divided into five types based on the cause: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D, and Hepatitis E. Hepatitis A and E are mostly transmitted through the fecal-oral route. Therefore, to prevent Hepatitis A and E, it is essential to protect water sources, pay attention to food hygiene, and personal hygiene, and avoid eating raw seafood and similar foods. Hepatitis B and C, on the other hand, are mainly transmitted through blood and bodily fluids. The prevention of Hepatitis C and B primarily involves avoiding unsafe sexual activities with patients with Hepatitis B or C. Hepatitis B can also be prevented through the administration of Hepatitis B vaccine and immune globulin.

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Do you get a fever with viral hepatitis?

Viral hepatitis, when liver function is significantly abnormal and during acute bouts of illness, may result in some patients experiencing mild or high fever, which is transient. Common symptoms include fatigue, aversion to oils, nausea, abdominal bloating, and poor appetite. Clinical symptoms vary among different types of viral hepatitis. Common types include Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Hepatitis A and E are acute self-limited forms of hepatitis, which generally recover within four to eight weeks. Hepatitis B and C, however, can easily become chronic.

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Written by Zhang Jian Kang
Infectious Disease
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What indicators are checked for viral hepatitis?

For viral hepatitis, the primary index to check is liver function. If there are obvious abnormalities in liver function, further clarification is needed to determine what caused these liver function abnormalities. The most common pathogens include Hepatitis A, B, C, E, D, and non-A non-E, etc. Typical hospitals carry out tests for Hepatitis A, B, C, and E. Hepatitis A and E are acute hepatitis; if IgM antibodies are positive, it can indicate a recent infection. However, if IgG antibodies are positive, their significance is not very substantial. If Hepatitis B or C causes the liver damage, further tests such as HBV-DNA, HCV-RNA, etc., need to be conducted to clarify the cause of the liver condition. Additionally, regular follow-up exams like ultrasound and AFP are required.