5 main types of hepatitis and how to prevent

5 main types of hepatitis and how to prevent


Know the differences between the variants and learn to reduce the risk of contagion and protect health

Viral hepatitis represents a series of infections capable of significantly compromising the liver function, with viruses A, B and C the most frequent in Brazil. The clinical picture can vary from the complete absence of symptoms to manifestations such as malaise, nausea, fatigue and loss of appetite, as well as characteristic signs such as whitish feces, dark urine and jaundice.




If not treated, these infections can trigger serious consequences, including cirrhosis, liver failure and cancer, becoming a public health problem that requires constant attention. In this scenario, understanding the peculiarity of each variant and the ways to reduce contagion is an essential step to preserve well -being. So take a look at 5 main types of hepatitis and their care!

Transmission of hepatitis and preventive measures

According to Lianne Macedo, coordinator of the nursing course of the Anhanguera College, the vaccine is still the main form of prevention of hepatitis A and B.

“The vaccine is essential and unique for the solution and protection of these cases. In hepatitis A and and, the transmission is a faecal-orale and the virus A is contracted by the ingestion of waterfall And foods contaminated or transmitted by one person infected by another, due to the lack of basic hygiene care, since the virus is excreted by the feces of the sick “, he explains.

In turn, according to the teacher, “viruses B and C are acquired by the parenteral path, that is, by the contact with secretions and blood of contaminated individuals, such as the sharing of syringes between injections of drug consumers, instruments for perforish contaminated such as surgical needles and syringes, surgical tools and contaminated blood transfusions. hepatitis B, the main form of contamination is by sexual contact, considered a sexual transmission infection (IST). “



The awareness of the prevention of hepatitis, such as the well washing of foods, is essential for the health of the population

Care of all types of hepatitis

The teacher warns that the care of viral hepatitis is essential to prevent transmission and avoid serious complications. “The awareness of the forms of transmission and prevention is fundamental for public health,” says Lianne Macedo.

1. Hepatitis A.

Disease usually associated with hygienic -sanitary conditions, being more frequent in outbreaks related to faults in the quality control of basic resources.

  • Transmission: faecal-ooral, through food or contaminated water;
  • Prevention: Vaccination, good hygiene and toilet -based hygiene practices.

2. Hepatitis B

Among the most known types, it can generate significant chronic complications and are of great importance for public health thanks to its transmission potential in different contexts.

  • Transmission: Blood, body fluids, sexual contact and mother for child during childbirth;
  • Prevention: Vaccination, use of condoms and safe blood manipulation practices.

3. Hepatitis C

Often diagnosed in the advanced phases, this silent infection requires surveillance, as it can evolve to serious damage to liver if not treated.

  • Transmission: Blood, mainly sharing syringes and materials for intravenous use;
  • Prevention: there is no VaccineBut sharing of needles and sharp materials should be avoided.

4. Hepatitis D

Less common than others, but of high severity, this type depends on the presence of another infection to be developed, which strengthens the importance of the prevention of the joints.

  • Transmission: Blood and body fluids occur only in people already infected with hepatitis B;
  • Prevention: Vaccination with hepatitis B.

5. Hepatitis e

Found more frequently in areas of precarious infrastructure, its main challenge is to control the sources of contamination.

  • Transmission: Fecal-Ooral, mainly through contaminated water;
  • Prevention: good practices of hygiene And hygiene.

By Leticia Zuim Gonzalez

Source: Terra

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