Typing of Viral Hepatitis

Written by Zhang Jian Kang
Infectious Disease
Updated on February 02, 2025
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Viral hepatitis mainly includes Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, etc., among which Hepatitis A and E are acute infections. Generally, there is no long-term damage to the human body after infection; recovery of liver function suffices. Hepatitis B and C infections are prone to becoming chronic, leading to chronic hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis C, respectively. These chronic infections can easily lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Among them, the carrier rate of HBsAg in hepatitis B is about 7%, and there are approximately 9.6 million people with hepatitis C in China. Therefore, the incidence rates of hepatitis B and C are relatively high, and if there are abnormalities in liver function, it is crucial to check for these diseases.

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Transmission routes of viral hepatitis

Different types of viral hepatitis are transmitted through different routes, and preventive measures should start from the cause of the disease, cutting off transmission routes and protecting susceptible individuals. Hepatitis A and E are mainly transmitted through the fecal-oral route, usually by consuming food or water contaminated with the hepatitis A or E virus. Hepatitis B and C, on the other hand, are mainly transmitted through blood, sexual contact, and from mother to child; general contact usually does not lead to infection. Preventive measures include cutting off transmission routes, such as avoiding contact with patients with viral hepatitis, and getting vaccinated against hepatitis B and A.

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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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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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How to prevent viral hepatitis

Viral hepatitis is a class of diseases that specifically includes five types: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D, and hepatitis E. Each type has a different mode of transmission, hence the prevention methods vary for each. Specifically, hepatitis A and E are transmitted via the fecal-oral route, meaning the disease is mainly spread through consuming water and cold foods contaminated with the viruses, and foods that have not been fully cooked, leading to infection. Hepatitis B and C, on the other hand, are mainly transmitted through blood and sexual contact. Prevention of hepatitis B and C involves avoiding contact with blood products from infected individuals and unsafe sexual practices.

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Written by Zhang Jian Kang
Infectious Disease
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What are the symptoms of viral hepatitis?

Viral hepatitis primarily includes liver inflammation and damage caused by pathogens such as hepatitis A, B, C, E, etc. Their clinical symptoms are quite similar, mainly characterized by fatigue, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating after eating, jaundice, and dark urine. In cases of chronic liver diseases, such as chronic hepatitis caused by hepatitis B or C, if prolonged, it can also lead to facial features typical of liver disease, spider angiomas, and enlarged spleen. Once cirrhosis occurs, the patient may experience hepatic encephalopathy, gastrointestinal bleeding, abdominal distension with water accumulation, and significant abdominal tenderness. Thus, the symptoms of viral hepatitis relate to both the cause of the hepatitis and the type of hepatitis.