Hepatitis is actually the general term for any inflammation of the liver, which might be caused by autoimmune disorders to excessive intake of alcohol. In most instances, though, the term "hepatitis" refers to the common viral infections that cause inflammation of the liver and the actual, subsequent health problems. Among them are the most common forms: Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, the majority being Hepatitis B and C.
08 October 2024
4 min read
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Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C
Hepatitis B and C are the two most prevalent forms. They have some striking similarities. Both the viruses are bloodborne, that is, direct blood-to-blood contact is their major mode of transmission. Each virus can cause serious liver damage, even to the extreme extent of liver failure. It is estimated that nearly 80 percent of liver cancers in the world are due to the combined effect of Hepatitis B and C viruses. Therefore, knowing the differences between these two viruses will lead you to effective treatment and health management strategies.
What is Hepatitis B?
It is considered the most common liver infection in the world. The estimated world burden of Hepatitis B is approximately 350 million, and in the United States, this is equivalent to around 0.8 million cases. Unfortunately, it results in higher cases of cancer in the liver and deaths compared to Hepatitis C virus.
Hepatitis B is also much more infectious, it is estimated that up to five to ten times more people are likely to come in contact with an infectious dose than in the case of Hepatitis C. This partly has to do with the robustness of the virus; it can remain infectious for a long period of time.
Hepatitis B virus infection, though not strictly classified as a sexually transmitted infection, is indeed contracted through sexual exposure. While the principal mode of spread of the HBV is through blood, it can likewise be spread through semen and vaginal fluids. Thus, exposure to this infection can be through anal, vaginal, or even oral sex and through any exposure to infected blood.
Prevention-wise, Hepatitis B is way ahead of Hepatitis C. In addition to practicing safer sex, a vaccine is available that, for the most part, provides effective protection against Hepatitis B infection. To date, there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C.
Knowing Symptoms of Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B infection does not usually cause noticeable symptoms, and the infection often progresses very slowly. Early signs and symptoms resemble those of the flu. When noticeable symptoms do develop, they generally occur six weeks to six months after a person has initially been infected, resolving after a few weeks. These include the following:
Fatigue
Abdominal pain
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite
Headaches and fever
Dark urine
Pale, clay-colored feces
Jaundice
Of these, approximately one in 20 develops chronic Hepatitis B, thereby running the risk of passing on the virus to other people and eventually developing critical disorders such as liver cancer or cirrhosis.
What is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C, while less widespread worldwide, is calculated to be around 170 million cases worldwide. Of these, 2.4 million are located within the United States. Although this number is much lower here in the U.S. than compared to the rest of the world, Hepatitis C continues to be one of the leading causes of liver transplant and cirrhosis for this country.
Unlike Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C is seldom sexually transmitted. Hepatitis C is usually transmitted through blood, especially by the sharing of infected syringes and needles. It is also acquired by using needles that have previously been used on an infected individual for body piercings or tattooing, or by any surgical equipment which has not been adequately sterilized. It can rarely be spread by an infected mother to her newborn at the time of birth.
Identifying Signs and Symptoms of Hepatitis C
Like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C infection usually does not exhibit symptoms. When symptoms do appear, it is four to 12 weeks following initial infection, and they are identical to those of Hepatitis B.
The main difference exists in the fact that the majority of individuals with Hepatitis C develop chronic infections. These infections seldom present symptoms until a late stage of chronic liver disease has been diagnosed.
Hepatitis B vs Hepatitis C: How Are They Different?
Although Hepatitis B and C share many similarities, it should be recalled that they are distinct infections. To date, both Hepatitis B and C do not have a cure. Nonetheless, both of these can be treated with medication. Testing for Hepatitis B or C will create early detection for practical management and possible evasion of liver failure, liver disease, or liver cancer that may necessitate a liver transplant.
The Hepatitis C Testing kit from STDRapidtestkits.com, for example, will identify whether you have a Hepatitis C infection right in the comfort of your house. You will be able to get your results within 10 minutes and thus be in a better position to take proper health management measures.
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