Hepatitis is a family of viruses. Hepatitis symptoms include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, jaundice, fatigue and diarrhea. Hepatitis turns your urine dark, almost tea-colored, and causes joint pain. Hepatitis A has acute flu-like symptoms that last from a week to one month. Hepatitis B can become chronic and cause liver damage. Hepatitis C is persistent and develops into liver damage years after the first infection.
Hand Washing
Wash your hands after using the bathroom. Hepatitis can be spread by physical contact with objects or food touched by an infected person who has not washed his hands after using the restroom. Hepatitis tends to be common in areas with poor sanitation standards. Try to avoid sharing plates, utensils or bathrooms with someone who has hepatitis. Keep everything clean and disinfected in order to minimize exposure.
Safe Sex
Always practice safe sex. This means using a condom to prevent exposure to infected body fluids. Birth control pills and IUDs protect against pregnancy, but not against the exchange of body fluids and diseases. Hepatitis is transmitted from an infected partner by sexual activities. Avoid sexual contact with a person infected with any strain of hepatitis or who has an unknown health history.
Do Not Share
Do not share personal hygiene items like razors and toothbrushes. These items could be exposed to blood from an infected person. Do not use recreational intravenous drugs. Sharing needles significantly increases the risk of becoming infected with hepatitis. Avoid needle sticks, contact with blood and blood products when working in a health-care setting. Take precautions by wearing gloves and handling needles with care. Be careful when receiving tattoos or piercings. Use new needles and make sure the facility is clean.
Acetaminophen
Avoid overdosing on acetaminophen, which can damage your liver and compromise your immune system, making it easier to contract hepatitis. Be aware that the effective dose is close to the dose that causes liver damage. Ask your care provider about the strength of the dose of acetaminophen that you should take. Do not consume alcohol and acetaminophen together as both negatively affect your liver. Check any anti-inflammatory medications for side effects involving your liver.
Vaccination
Immunize against hepatitis. Vaccines for hepatitis A and B are available for adults in high-risk professions such as nursing, day care and laboratory workers. Routine vaccinations are given to children as part of their childhood immunizations. A shot of immunoglobulin can be an effective measure if you have been exposed to hepatitis.
Treatments
Rest, eating well and keeping hydrated is the usual treatment for hepatitis A. Interferon is given to treat chronic hepatitis B and C. It is a genetically engineered protein that triggers your healthy cells to fight hepatitis infections. Herbal treatments can help with hepatitis symptoms and complications. Milk thistle promotes the growth of liver tissue and reduces nausea. Artichoke increases liver function. Licorice root prevents the virus from spreading. Always discuss herb use with your care provider to prevent drug interactions.
Surgery
Liver failure occurs in the worst cases of hepatitis. Liver transplant is the only chance for survival in these cases. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, hepatitis C is the number one reason for receiving a liver transplant.
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