The Differences between Hepatitis Strains

Hepatitis is a type of disease that most everybody is familiar with. It's actually a family of diseases, with several different strains causing different problems throughout the body. One feature that is common throughout all the strains of hepatitis is the fact that the disease is primarily damaging to the body in that it may cause an inflammation of the liver. In this article, we'll be examining the different types of hepatitis, noting the differences and showcasing their similarities.

Hepatitis A is one of the least threatening forms of the disease. Whereas most types of hepatitis occur in two stages, acute and chronic, Hepatitis A only has an acute stage. One may become afflicted with Hepatitis A through being exposed to food that is contaminated. Contaminated drinking water may also lead to the disease. There is a vaccine available which can allow you to be immune to the disease for your entire life.

Hepatitis B is one of the types of hepatitis that have both an acute and a chronic stage. It can spread in many different ways, and one receiving an unclean blood transfusion may come down with the disease. Also, one must take precaution to avoid infection through the use of dirty tattoo needles, and must always employ safe sex practices, as it can be passed on through sexual contact. Parents may also be able to pass Hepatitis B onto their children. While the disease may become chronic, 95 percent of all sufferers never experience chronic symptoms. There is a vaccine for this strain as well, which is often administered to adolescents in order to decrease their likelihood of illness due to sexual behaviors.

Hepatitis C is another type of the disease that can be spread via blood contact. Much like Hepatitis B, those wishing to avoid the disease should not share needles or participate in unsafe sex. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C and it is the leading cause of liver transplants worldwide.

Hepatitis D is a particularly odd strain of hepatitis. For the disease to be present in the body, the individual must already be afflicted with hepatitis B, as the disease alters the genome in a way that allows hepatitis D to exist.

Hepatitis E is a strain that is much like that of hepatitis A. This type of the disease most commonly occurs in India and its surrounding countries.

Hepatitis G, the latest type of hepatitis that has been discovered and little is known about the disease so far.

Now that you know more about the different risks you face when it comes to being afflicted with hepatitis, you can better understand how to avoid facing problems with the disease in the future. If you are suspicious that you may have come down with the disease, it is important to speak to your doctor, as prolonged, untreated exposure to the disease can cause cirrhosis of the liver amongst other problems. Doctors can perform tests which can determine whether or not the disease is present in your body and diagnosis is the first step to recovery.