Hepatitis, whose name is derived from the ancient Greek word, hepar, meaning liver, is typified by the presence of inflammatory cells in the liver’s tissue. Most hepatitis sufferers contract the disease from a group of viruses, but high alcohol consumption and other toxins can also cause it.
The easiest way to contract it is by ingesting contaminated food or water, especially shellfish, or by the exchange of bodily fluids. Having unprotected sex is a common way to spread the disease, and travelers should always act with caution when considering tattoos and blood transfusions. Glasses and cutlery that have not been washed properly could contain traces of infected saliva which will spread hepatitis.
How serious: sufferers of hepatitis A often do not even realize they have it but hepatitis B and C can lead to chronic liver disease resulting in the need for liver transplants or even in death.
How likely: hepatitis is relatively easy to contract, but there are a number of ways in which to deter it.
How to get it: alcoholic hepatitis is caused by prolonged alcohol abuse. Most other strains can be contracted easily by the exchange of saliva and other bodily fluids. Drinking from unwashed glasses is a common cause and a number of medications and other toxins can cause it too.
Where it is found: hepatitis is found throughout the world, including developed countries, but it is much more commonly found in developing nations across Asia, Africa and South America.
Symptoms: vary as there are many different strains of the disease, but common signs include flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, headache, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, jaundice and a low fever.
How to avoid it: caccinations against hepatitis B are available and given routinely to children and health workers. Getting vaccinated against hepatitis A is recommended to those who travel to infected countries.
How to treat it: hepatitis A has no treatment as it will go away of its own accord. Hepatitis A and B can be treated with medications but may not always be cured.
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