Article summary

Topic

  • Liver diseases & symptoms

Viral hepatitis is a liver disease caused by viruses. There are 6 currently known viruses that causes this disease, three of which are most commonly encountered in Poland: hepatitis A virus, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus.1

Alchohol remains a serious problem causing significant damage to this organ

How can HBV and HCV infection be contracted?

Hepatitis B and hepatitis C infection can be contracted by contact with blood or secretions (saliva, sperm, vaginal secretions) of an infected person.

Therefore, the infection can be contracted:

During potentially safe procedures where the skin is broken

An infection can occur through contact with medical and non-medical instruments that have not been effectively sterilised, e.g. when making a tattoo or during cosmetic procedures1

During sexual contacts with an infected person1

The risk is higher in the case of hepatitis B virus and much lower in the case of hepatitis C virus

What are the symptoms of viral hepatitis? 

For a long time, an infection with hepatitis viruses is not associated with any symptoms that would be noticed by the patient and that would allow an early diagnosis. Hepatitis B virus may not give any symptoms even for 6 months after the infection; for hepatitis C virus it is even a few years. Both HBV and HCV give unspecific symptoms at an early stage. They may include:

Malaise

Unreasonable fatigue

Attention deficit

Muscle and joint pain

Lack of appetite.2, 5

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How is viral hepatitis diagnosed?1

An infection with HBV or HCV is diagnosed through a general interview with the patient as well as laboratory tests and imaging examinations, which help assess changes that have occurred in the body as a result of viral activity. Additionally, in patients with an enlarged liver, biopsy is performed, which means taking a sample of liver cells for examination.2, 5

How is viral hepatitis treated?1

Treatment of viral hepatitis consists in taking antiviral medicines and medicines that will relieve the burdensome symptoms. Such medicines can only be prescribed by a doctor. In addition to the above, the following should be ensured: 

Physical and mental rest

Proper diet

Avoiding any stimulants – patients are strictly prohibited to drink any alcohol for one year after the disease onset

How to prevent viral hepatitis B and C?

The most effective form of preventing the infection is undergoing prophylactic vaccination. Owing to the introduction of prophylactic vaccination against viral hepatitis B, mandatory for all newborns and adolescents, the incidence of this disease has been significantly reduced in Poland. However, no vaccine against hepatitis C virus has been developed so far.1

Measures to reduce the risk of infection include keeping high hygiene standards, avoidance of sharing personal objects such as a toothbrush with other people, selecting beauty and tattoo parlours with high hygiene standards, using mechanical protection during sex.5

 

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