To the viral hepatitis inflammatory liver infections caused by different types of viruses, can lead to serious complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.
“These viruses can lead to acute or chronic conditions, affecting liver function,” explains Carolina Augusta Matos de Oliveira, hepatologist at Hospital Sírio-Libanês.
According to the doctor, this condition is a public health concern due to the risk of developing into more serious diseases.
What are the types of viral hepatitis?
Learn about the different types of viral hepatitis below.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is transmitted mainly through contaminated food or water. “Although hepatitis A usually causes only an acute infection, in rare cases it can result in fulminant forms,” says Oliveira.
Igor Marinho, an infectious disease specialist at the São Camilo Hospital Network in São Paulo, adds that this form of the disease can also be transmitted through anal-oral contact during sexual intercourse. Prevention is strongly linked to hygiene and vaccination.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B can manifest itself in both acute and chronic forms. “It is transmitted through contact with contaminated blood, unprotected sexual intercourse and from mother to child during childbirth,” explains Oliveira.
In Brazil, around 1.1 million people live with chronic HBV infection. Marinho highlights that, in more severe cases, hepatitis B can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is predominantly chronic and spreads through blood contact. “Around 700,000 Brazilians are affected by hepatitis C. In many cases, the disease can progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer,” highlights the infectious disease specialist. Hepatitis C is treatable with specific medications that can lead to an effective cure.
Hepatitis D
Hepatitis D, or delta, only occurs in individuals already infected with hepatitis B. “This virus requires the B virus to replicate and is more common in the North of Brazil,” explains the specialist.
Hepatitis E
Hepatitis E is similar to hepatitis A in terms of fecal-oral transmission. “It can become chronic in people with compromised immune systems, and it is especially serious for pregnant women,” warns Marinho.
Symptoms of viral hepatitis
Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the infection. Experts point out that viral hepatitis often has no visible symptoms.
“When present, symptoms may include fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and jaundice,” explains Marinho.
The infectious disease specialist adds that, in acute cases, there may be diarrhea and malaise, while chronic cases may lead to liver failure, accumulation of abdominal fluid and bleeding.
Treatments for viral hepatitis
Treatment varies depending on the type of hepatitis. For hepatitis A, there is no specific treatment other than clinical support.
“For hepatitis B, specific medications may be necessary to control the infection in chronic cases,” says Marinho.
“As for hepatitis C, we have highly effective treatments that can cure the infection,” adds Oliveira.
Vaccines available against viral hepatitis
Hepatitis A
The hepatitis A vaccine is available in private clinics and at Special Immunobiological Reference Centers (CRIE) through the SUS.
Oliveira explains that the vaccine is part of the National Immunization Program’s children’s calendar and is recommended from 15 months of age. “For risk groups, the vaccine is offered in specialized centers and private clinics,” he highlights.
Hepatitis B
The hepatitis B vaccine is widely available through the SUS and recommended for the entire population. “Vaccination is administered in three doses, with intervals of 30 days between the first and second doses and six months between the first and third doses,” explains Oliveira.
Hepatitis C
There is no vaccine available yet.
How to protect yourself from viral hepatitis
Prevention of viral hepatitis includes vaccination, good hygiene practices and avoiding risky behaviors, such as sharing syringes and unprotected sex.
“Getting tested regularly and keeping your vaccination card up to date are essential measures to prevent the spread of hepatitis,” concludes Marinho.
Source: CNN Brasil
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