Hepatitis is more than just inflammation of the liver. It’s a disease that is responsible for about 1.3 million deaths per year globally. Most cases are caused by viral infection; hepatitis is also triggered by toxins, certain medications, and autoimmune diseases, and has five main viral types: A, B, C, D, and E. While these trends have unique sets of characteristics when it comes to transmission and treatment, one thing they have in common is this: they’re preventable.

Azfar Chak, M.D. The chief of the Infectious Diseases department at Montefiore Nyack Hospital explains the impact of hepatitis and the available treatment and management options.

Types of hepatitis

The transmission of hepatitis varies, depending on the types: hepatitis A and E are spread through the fecal-oral route,  which can be contracted through contaminated food and/or water; hepatitis B and C are spread via blood and bodily fluids, which can be contracted through unprotected sex and needle sharing; and hepatitis D only occurs in those who are already infected with hepatitis B.

“Hepatitis can impact anyone, but there are individuals who are at higher risk than others,” said Dr. Chak. “Individuals who share needles, have a history of HIV, hemodialysis, are in the incarcerated population, and people born in regions with high hepatitis prevalence all have an increased risk of getting hepatitis. That’s why it is so important to be in tune with your body and know the symptoms before they escalate.”

Symptoms

Many people are asymptomatic early on, but when hepatitis begins to present, individuals may experience fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. Dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the eyes), itching, and pale stools can signal that the disease has progressed.

“It is critical that anyone experiencing these symptoms seek medical attention. Without treatment, the risk of serious complications, including death, can increase,” said Dr. Chak.

Hepatitis B and C account for 95% of the hepatitis deaths worldwide. In the United States, approximately 13,000 to 15,000 people die of hepatitis each year. At the same time, an estimated 800,000 to 1.6 million people are living with hepatitis B, and about 2.4 million people are living with hepatitis C. Hepatitis C remains the most common chronic form and the leading cause of liver-related mortalities.

Treatment

When it comes to treating hepatitis, there is no “one size fits all” approach. For hepatitis A and E, rest and hydration are key, with steroids being prescribed in rare cases. With hepatitis B, a patient may have long-term, and sometimes lifelong, treatment that includes antiviral medications. In most cases, hepatitis C is curable with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs).

Protect yourself

Protecting yourself from hepatitis begins with prevention. Vaccines are available for both hepatitis A and B; inoculation for hepatitis A starts at age 1. While no vaccines are available for hepatitis C or E, practicing safe injection practices and screening of the blood supply can help stop the spread of hepatitis C.

“Even if the strain doesn’t have a vaccine available, the best fight against any hepatitis is awareness and action,” said Dr. Chak. “Be aware of what you’re putting into your body, and how; and if you notice any changes in your health, call your doctor and get checked. It might just be the call that saves your life.”