Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the liver. Autoimmune hepatitis is caused when your body makes antibodies that attack your liver. According to the CDC, commonly caused by a viral infection, medications, or toxins, hepatitis has many forms:
- Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), which is found in the stool and blood of people who are infected.
- Hepatitis B is a vaccine-preventable liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), which is spread when blood, semen, or other body fluids from a person infected with the virus enters the body of someone who is not infected.
- Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) when it is spread through contact with blood from an infected person. Today, most people become infected with the hepatitis C virus by sharing needles or other equipment used to prepare and inject drugs.
- Hepatitis D, also known as “delta hepatitis,” is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV) and only occurs in people who are also infected with the hepatitis B virus.
- Hepatitis E is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV) and is found in the stool of an infected person. It is spread when someone unknowingly ingests the virus, even in the smallest amounts.
Hepatitis A, B, and C are the most frequent viral types. Symptoms vary from fatigue, dark-colored urine, pale stool, loss of appetite or weight, jaundice, and more. Chronic hepatitis develops very slowly over time, and symptoms are often difficult to notice.
The CDC estimates approximately 4.4 million Americans are currently living with chronic hepatitis B or C. It is estimated that around the world, there are approximately 325 million people living with hepatitis. Approximately 1.4 million deaths a year are caused by hepatitis B or C.
Hepatitis B virus was discovered in 1967 by Dr. Baruch Blumberg (1925-2011). Two years later, he created a vaccination for the virus, winning him a Nobel Prize. World Hepatitis Day was established to educate the general population of the dangers and burden that come with hepatitis. The CDC, WHO, and other international organizations recognize this on the 28th of July in honor of Dr. Blumberg and his contributions.
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Kassidy Garland has had a great appreciation for reading and writing since she was young. She graduated from West Chester University in 2017 with a Bachelor’s Degree in English & Women and Gender Studies. With a concentration in creative writing, Kassidy has 5 years of experience writing blogs, articles, and for social media. Kassidy is also pursuing a Master’s degree in IT with a concentration in Web Development. Based out of Philadelphia, Kassidy loves to write about a number of topics and looks forward to sharing her passion with those at FunTimes Magazine.
