Hepatitis

What is hepatitis?

Hepatitis is when your liver gets inflamed. It could happen because of viruses, alcohol, bad food, or sometimes even your body attacking itself.

What causes hepatitis?

• Alcohol 
• Autoimmune: Sometimes, your body gets confused and attacks your own liver.
• Infections: Catching a virus, especially if you don’t wash your hands or eat from questionable places.

Types of hepatitis?

• Hepatitis A: Caught from dirty food or water.
• Hepatitis B & C:  Spread through blood, and other body fluids.
• Hepatitis D: Only happens if you’ve got Hep B.
• Hepatitis E: Also spread through bad water or food.

How do you know you have hepatitis?

• Fatigue
• Yellow skin/eyes (Jaundice)
• Dark urine and light-coloured stool
• Loss of appetite, weight loss

How is hepatitis treated?

• Hepatitis A & E: Usually, just rest and lots of water.
• Hepatitis B, C, D: These need special medicine. Chronic ones might even need a liver transplant!
• Autoimmune Hepatitis: Steroids can help calm things down.

Prevention tips?

• Get vaccinated: Vaccines for Hepatitis A & B are available!
• Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands, don’t share razors or needles.
• Use protection: Condoms help prevent hepatitis from spreading through sexual contact.

Why care about hepatitis?

If left untreated, hepatitis can lead to serious liver damage, like cirrhosis or even liver cancer.