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VIRAL HEPATITIS
What is Viral Hepatitis?
Viral hepatitis is a viral infection that affects the liver. Most people experience flulike symptoms including fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea when they get hepatitis. Others will have a yellowing condition of the skin and eyes known as jaundice. Viral hepatitis goes away by itself but occasionally can become a long-term medical problem that requires ongoing care.
How does one get hepatitis?
Some types of hepatitis is spread through blood and body fluids, such as saliva and sexual secretion. Other types are primarily spread through the fecal-oral route.
If I have viral hepatitis, can I spread it to my close friends and family members?
Yes. You can protect them by not handling or preparing the food they eat, not sharing eating utensils or glasses, and washing your dishes in very hot water or a dishwasher. Other protective measures would be to always wash your hands with warm water especially after using the bathroom. During sexual contact you should use a barrier method of contraception such as a condom. Do not share needles or donate blood.
Also, protective vaccines and immune globulin preparations are available for Hepatitis A and B. Ask your health care provider if family and friends should receive these vaccines.
Other important instructions:
- Rest and remain inactive until the symptoms of hepatitis begin to resolve, usually in 1-3 months. Resume your usual activities slowly.
- Avoid any activities such as contact sports, biking, running, wrestling, diving, and lifting or pushing heavy objects that could cause you to fall or hit your stomach against something heard.
- Eat the largest meal of the day in the morning. This will help you to get enough calories even when you don=t have an appetite and keep your energy level up.
- Don't drink any alcohol.
- Discuss with your health care provider any medications you plan to take before you take them. That includes prescription medications as well as over the counter medications and herbal remedies. During the acute phase of hepatitis, your liver may not be able to break down or metabolize these medications.
- See your health care provider regularly to monitor your liver function studies (blood tests).
Submitted by Pam DeVisser, FNP
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