When the virus infects liver cells, it causes hepatitis, resulting in abnormal liver function, liver swelling, and fatigue. There are several types of hepatitis viruses, including hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. However, the most common and significant public health problems in Thailand are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C viruses.
How does the body contract hepatitis virus?
- From individuals who carry the hepatitis virus in their bodies but show no symptoms, they can transmit the virus to others. These individuals are called carriers, which usually occurs with hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses only.
- Hepatitis A and E viruses are transmitted through food, drinking water, and contact with feces. Therefore, prevention includes drinking boiled water, eating cooked food, washing hands thoroughly, and cleaning fruits and vegetables. There is currently no vaccine for hepatitis E virus, while hepatitis A virus has an effective and safe vaccine.
- Hepatitis B and C viruses can be transmitted through sexual contact and blood, such as nurses accidentally pricked by contaminated needles or drug users sharing needles.
- Mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus has a very high chance, but currently, there is a hepatitis B vaccine given to all newborns after birth, which effectively prevents mother-to-child transmission.
These symptoms are warning signs of acute hepatitis
No matter which type of hepatitis virus causes the infection, symptoms are similar… but the severity depends on the amount of virus the body receives and the patient’s original physical condition. Common symptoms include fatigue, fullness under the right rib cage, muscle aches, joint pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, dark urine, jaundice of the skin and eyes. These symptoms last about 1 – 4 weeks, and the jaundice usually disappears.
If you have these symptoms… you may have “chronic hepatitis”
The viruses that cause chronic hepatitis are hepatitis B and C viruses. They often show no symptoms. Some may feel fatigued, nauseous, or vomit during hepatitis flare-ups. Viral infection causes gradual destruction of liver cells, leading to cirrhosis and increasing the risk of liver cancer. Liver inflammation can be detected through blood tests. Early cirrhosis and liver cancer have no symptoms but may cause some fatigue. Patients usually visit doctors due to complications such as abdominal swelling, leg swelling, vomiting blood, and jaundice of the skin and eyes.
Hepatitis virus infection… requires prompt treatment
- For acute hepatitis A, B, and most hepatitis E cases, doctors usually provide supportive treatment based on symptoms, focusing on reducing liver inflammation, such as intravenous fluids for patients with poor appetite or fatigue.
- Recommended care includes plenty of rest during fatigue, engaging in light activities, eating adequately, avoiding high-fat foods, abstaining from alcohol, and avoiding paracetamol.
- Periodic blood tests are needed to monitor liver function improvement.
“Hepatitis C virus” chronic condition… leading to serious diseases
Most hepatitis C patients develop chronic infection. Without treatment, it may progress to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and eventually death. Treatment depends on liver pathology. If liver failure or liver cancer occurs, doctors will not treat with hepatitis C antiviral drugs but focus on cancer treatment. If liver failure is present, treatment carries high risks. Therefore, treatment depends on the doctor’s discretion.
Can hepatitis virus be cured?
- Hepatitis B virus has about a 90 percent chance of complete recovery in acute cases, but 5 – 10 percent develop chronic hepatitis.
- Hepatitis A and E viruses are usually curable. Most recover naturally and develop immunity, preventing reinfection and chronic hepatitis, except hepatitis E in pregnant women, which carries a high risk of death.
- Hepatitis C virus about 85 percent develop chronic hepatitis. Treatment outcomes depend on the hepatitis C virus type.
Self-care when having hepatitis virus infection
- You can exercise normally but should not overexert during acute hepatitis symptoms.
- Get sufficient rest.
- Avoid alcohol consumption because it increases viral replication and accelerates liver cell damage.
- Consult a doctor before taking any medication.
- Attend scheduled medical appointments for blood tests to monitor liver function periodically.
- Use condoms during sexual intercourse.
- Eat nutritious food and avoid high-fat foods.
- Inform your doctor before surgery or dental procedures.
- Avoid stress.
- Recommend that close household contacts get blood tests and receive hepatitis A and B vaccinations.
- Avoid blood donation.
Dr. Choti Luangchosiri
Gastroenterology Specialist
Gastrointestinal and Liver Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital
