Is viral hepatitis contagious?

Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
Updated on November 27, 2024
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Viral hepatitis is contagious, with different types of viral hepatitis transmitted in different ways. The common types of viral hepatitis include Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Hepatitis A and E are acute self-limiting liver diseases, which are contagious during the symptomatic phase and also during the incubation period, primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route via the digestive tract. Therefore, for those infected with Hepatitis A or E, gastrointestinal isolation and symptomatic treatment are required. Hepatitis B and C are transmitted through blood, sexual contact, and from mother to child, with general contact not leading to infection.

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How is viral hepatitis transmitted?

Viral hepatitis comes in many types, with its main pathogens including hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, and others. Each type targets different transmission pathways; for example, hepatitis A and E are primarily transmitted via the digestive tract. They can spread through fecal-oral transmission, and ingesting contaminated food can lead to the dissemination of hepatitis A or E. For hepatitis B, the main transmission routes include mother-to-child transmission, blood and body fluid transmission, and close personal contact can also lead to the transmission of hepatitis B. As for hepatitis C, the primary transmission method is through transfusion of blood or blood products, and patients on dialysis are a high-risk group for hepatitis C infection.

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Does viral hepatitis cause diarrhea?

Patients with viral hepatitis generally do not experience diarrhea. However, if liver function is significantly abnormal, it can lead to disruption of the gastrointestinal microbial flora, which significantly affects digestive function and may cause diarrhea. Viral hepatitis can lead to a series of related symptoms, such as fatigue, aversion to oil, nausea, abdominal distension, and poor appetite. In particularly severe cases, there may also be signs of increased bilirubin and jaundice, which require treatment based on the actual situation.

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Dietary care for viral hepatitis

Patients with viral hepatitis generally have noticeable gastrointestinal discomfort symptoms, such as fatigue, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, and bloating after eating. Therefore, it is advisable for patients with viral hepatitis to maintain a low-fat, light diet. Vegetables and fruits are fine to consume, but greasy foods, such as meat, are not recommended. If meat is desired, white meats like fish are preferable, while red meats are advised against. If viral hepatitis is accompanied by other diseases such as hepatic encephalopathy, it is recommended not to consume soy products and eggs. Patients with viral hepatitis often have concurrent gallbladder diseases, so consuming eggs or greasy foods may exacerbate symptoms and cause significant upper abdominal discomfort.

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Can people with viral hepatitis eat garlic?

During the acute phase of viral hepatitis, liver function is generally significantly abnormal. Patients may experience symptoms such as fatigue, poor appetite, abdominal bloating after eating, and nausea and vomiting. Some may also develop jaundice and yellow urine. For patients with viral hepatitis, it is first recommended to rest in bed. At the same time, a light and low-fat diet should be maintained, and spicy and stimulating foods should be avoided. Therefore, it is not recommended for patients with viral hepatitis to consume spicy and stimulating foods like garlic and chili peppers during the acute phase. It is advisable to eat light foods such as fruits and vegetables. Consuming fatty foods, like pork, lamb, and beef, is also not recommended. Eating these foods may lead to indigestion, and patients may experience significant stomach discomfort.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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What are the indicators for viral hepatitis testing?

Viral hepatitis can be confirmed for infection through tests such as hepatitis B "two and a half pairs," hepatitis A antibodies, hepatitis C antibodies, and hepatitis E antibodies. By using the hepatitis B "two and a half pairs" test to look for the hepatitis B surface antigen, if the surface antigen is positive, it indicates infection with the hepatitis B virus. The hepatitis A antibody test primarily assesses for hepatitis A antibody IGM; if this is positive, it suggests an active infection. Through the hepatitis C antibody test, if positive, further testing for hepatitis C virus RNA can be conducted. The hepatitis E antibody test mainly looks at hepatitis E antibody IGM, and the interpretation should be based on the specific circumstances.