The A's and B's of Hepatitis

The ABCs of Hepatitis

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. Commonly, it can be caused by a viral infection. With the infection, it can reduce the liver’s ability to cleanse blood normally. Being infectious, it can be passed onto others under various circumstances. The common types of viral hepatitis are Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. There are also other viruses like the Hepatitis C. With Hepatitis B being the more severe infection, it is classified as endemic in Singapore. 1 out of 35 people are carriers. However, infection can be prevented by vaccination.


Modes of disease transmission

Hepatitis A:

• oral fecal route of infection
• poor food handling hygiene
• contaminated water or food (especially raw and semi-cooked shellfish e.g. oysters, cockles, clams)
• contact with carrier's fecal matter or blood
• sexual contact with an infected partner

Did you know: A popular Singaporean dish, boiled cockles or "see hum" puts us at risk of contracting Hepatitis A if not cooked properly?

Hepatitis B:

• blood borne or body fluids mode of infection
• sexual contact with an infected partner
• blood contact
• sharing contaminated needles
• infected mothers to newborn

Symptoms

The tell-tale signs of both types of Hepatitis are similar. Hepatitis A, however, is acute, more severe and takes a shorter period to recover from. In contrast, Hepatitis B is chronic and may lead to prolong liver damage resulting in problems such as liver hardening, failure or even cancer. The risk of liver cancer in a Hepatitis B carrier is almost 200 times more compared to a normal person. A good analogy for viral hepatitis is Hepatitis A is comparable to pneumonia and hepatitis B is to Tuberculosis.

Some symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain or distention
• Dark urine and pale or clay-colored stools
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Jaundice
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weight loss

It may also be possible for one to be without symptoms.

Preventive measures

• proper hygiene such as regular hand washing
• proper food cooking, heat up water and cook food thoroughly
• avoid drinking untreated water in developing countries
• safe sex
• avoid sharing personal items and needles

The most effective way to get protection from the disease is to get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B. Today, vaccines for Hepatitis A and B are known to be very effective and Central 24-HR Clinic Group has affordable Hepatitis A&B screening and vaccination packages for you. Hepatitis A vaccines will require an initial dose followed by a booster 6 months later while Hepatitis B vaccines will require an initial dose followed by 2 boosters, 1 month and 6 months later.

Remember, while you can enjoy your lifestyle habits in moderation, it is also equally important to be insured against the possible perils of Hepatitis A and B. Why take the risk when it is fairly convenient to get vaccinated? Feel free to check our convenient and fuss-free locations at http://www.centralclinic.com.sg/locations.php