Drug-induced hepatitis is rare. It is caused when you have a harmful or toxic amount of some medicines, vitamins, herbal remedies, or food supplements. In most cases, you may be taking a medicine for several months before it reaches a toxic level and affects your liver.
What puts you at risk for hepatitis?
People who have many sex partners. People who have sex with someone who has a sexually transmitted infection (STI) People who use IV drugs or share needles. Babies born to mothers with hepatitis B, C, or E.
What are the causes symptoms and methods of prevention and control of hepatitis?
There are many ways you can reduce your chances of getting hepatitis:
- Get the vaccines for hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
- Use a condom during sex.
- Don't share needles to take drugs.
- Practice good personal hygiene such as thorough hand-washing with soap and water.
- Don't use an infected person's personal items.
Can I still get hepatitis B even if I was vaccinated?
Can I get hepatitis B from being vaccinated? No. The hepatitis B vaccine does not contain any live virus and can't cause hepatitis B.Mar 30, 2022
Where does hepatitis come from?
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. The liver is a vital organ that processes nutrients, filters the blood, and fights infections. When the liver is inflamed or damaged, its function can be affected. Heavy alcohol use, toxins, some medications, and certain medical conditions can cause hepatitis.
How is hepatitis diagnosed?
Blood Tests
The results of a blood test can confirm the type of viral hepatitis, the severity of the infection, whether an infection is active or dormant, and whether a person is currently contagious. A blood test can also confirm whether a virus is acute, meaning short term, or chronic, meaning long term.
The results of a blood test can confirm the type of viral hepatitis, the severity of the infection, whether an infection is active or dormant, and whether a person is currently contagious. A blood test can also confirm whether a virus is acute, meaning short term, or chronic, meaning long term.
How long can you have hepatitis without knowing?
How Long Before I Have Symptoms? Many people have mild symptoms or no symptoms, which is why hepatitis is sometimes called a “silent” disease. Hepatitis A. The symptoms usually show up 2 to 6 weeks after the virus enters your body.Dec 15, 2021
Will I always test positive for hepatitis B?
Most adults who acquire HBV clear the virus within a few months, and their hepatitis B surface antigen test result will be negative after that time. Some people remain infected and continue to test positive for hepatitis B surface antigen.
How long can hepatitis B patient live?
A "silent disease." It can live in your body for 50+ years before you have symptoms. Responsible for 80 percent of all liver cancer in the world. Harder to fight off the younger you are; 90 percent of babies will go on to develop a chronic infection compared to 5 to 10 percent of adults.
What Is Hepatitis?
- Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. There are several types of hepatitis. The disease has several causes. One cause of hepatitis is infection. Most cases of infectious hepatitis in the United States are caused by hepatitis A, B or C virus. An infection with one of these viruses might not cause any symptoms. Or it might cause only a mild, flu-like illness. Hepatitis A is usually a mild short-term i…
Symptoms
- Symptoms of hepatitis vary. They depend on the cause of the illness and how much the liver has been damaged. In mild cases, many people do not have any symptoms. Or they may have flu-like symptoms. These can include: 1. Fever 2. A generally tired or ill feeling 3. Loss of appetite 4. Nausea and vomiting 5. Fatigue 6. Discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen 7. Muscle …
Diagnosis
- Your doctor will ask about your: 1. History of alcohol use 2. Exposure to toxic chemicals 3. Use of medications that can cause liver damage 4. History of unprotected sex 5. History of intravenous drug use 6. Recent meal of shellfish 7. Travel to a country where hepatitis infections are common 8. Exposure to someone known to have hepatitis Your doct...
Expected Duration
- How long hepatitis lasts depends on: 1. The type of hepatitis 2. The age and health of the person Most previously healthy people who develop hepatitis A recover completely in about one month. A small percentage of adults who get hepatitis B develop chronic hepatitis. This is much more likely to happen in babies and young children. A small number of those with chronic hepatitis eventual…
Prevention
- You can reduce your chance of getting viral hepatitis. Follow these basic guidelines: 1. Wash your hands frequently. 2. Purchase shellfish only at reputable food stores. 3. If you catch your own shellfish, take them only from waters that have been deemed safe by health authorities. 4. Before traveling to foreign countries, ask your doctor whether you should be vaccinated against hepatiti…
Treatment
- Sudden onset of severe hepatitis can be life threatening. It often requires treatment in the hospital. Most people with hepatitis A do not require hospitalization unless they have persistent vomiting. Anyone suspected of having acetaminophen-related hepatitis should immediately go to an emergency room. There is an antidote. But it must be given soon after the drug is ingested. C…
When to Call A Professional
- Call your doctor if you have symptoms of hepatitis. Also call if you believe you have been exposed to someone with hepatitis. If you are planning to travel abroad, ask your doctor whether you need hepatitis immunization before your trip.
Prognosis
- Most people with either hepatitis A or B recover without treatment. Many people with hepatitis C develop chronic hepatitis. A smaller number of those with hepatitis B develop chronic hepatitis. Some people with hepatitis B become lifelong carriers. They can spread the hepatitis infection to others. People with chronic hepatitis C also are infectious. They can spread the virus through bl…
Further Information
- Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Medical Disclaimer