Hepatitis Articles A-Z
Typical hepatitis A symptoms include jaundice, lack of appetite, and fever, but not everyone has them. This eMedTV page lists more symptoms, discusses the incubation period for the disease, and explains factors that affect whether symptoms appear.
Hepatitis A transmission occurs when a person puts something in the mouth that is contaminated by the virus. This eMedTV article further explains how transmission occurs and offers common modes of transmission, such as sharing contaminated utensils.
Most people with hepatitis A recover within a few months without any specific treatment. However, this eMedTV page lists self-care aspects of hepatitis A treatment that can help relieve symptoms, such as avoiding alcohol and getting plenty of rest.
The hepatitis A vaccine is given as a series of two injections and can protect a person for up to 20 years. This eMedTV page offers detailed information on who should and should not receive the vaccine. A sample vaccination schedule is also included.
The hepatitis A vaccine, as this page of the eMedTV Web site explains, consists of two shots given several months apart, and it lasts for about 20 years. Hepatitis A vacination is a common misspelling and variation of hepatitis A vaccine.
The hepatitis A virus is an RNA virus that causes hepatitis A in humans. As this eMedTV page explains, the virus is often transmitted through a "fecal-oral route." Possible symptoms and the likelihood of contracting the disease are also discussed.
Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. As this eMedTV page explains, acute hepatitis B usually does not require treatment; chronic hepatitis B is usually treated with medications such as alpha interferon.
Hepatitis B develops after infection with the hepatitis B virus. There are no other hepatitis B causes. This eMedTV article describes some of the ways in which the hepatitis B virus can be transmitted (such as through sharing drug needles).
It is important that people with hepatitis B eat healthy foods and not become overweight. This eMedTV Web page outlines other elements of a hepatitis B diet, including considerations for those taking hepatitis B medicines and those with cirrhosis.