Hepatitis
Hepatitis is the general name given to a group of viruses which
cause inflammation and swelling of the liver.
The name, "Hepatitis", although now commonly applied to the various
strains and subtypes of virus, actually means "inflammation or swelling
of the liver".
There are several strains of virus which cause hepatitis, the most commonly
occurring ones being;
Hepatitis A Virus (HAV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV).
People who have the hepatitis virus may not show any signs or symptoms
of infection at all or the disease may develop over a period of weeks
or months.
There is no cure for hepatitis although you can be vaccinated against
Hep A and Hep B.
For those who have chronic Hep B or Hep C, treatment in the form of
antiviral drugs may still be available although it is not always successful.
At particular risk for all hepatitis infections is anyone who uses street
drugs since concealment of drugs within the mouth, vagina or rectum
at some stage during their transportation to the end user is not an
uncommon practice.
Also at high risk of contracting hepatitis are injecting drug users,
men who have sex with men, or travelers to areas of the world where
hepatitis is widespread.
Additionally, the families of anyone who is infected with one of the
more common strains of hepatitis, ie, Hep A, Hep B or Hep C, are at
risk of contracting the virus through indirect contact.
This risk may be reduced by adhering to scrupulous hygiene practices
such as hand washing after every visit to the toilet, separate towels
and thorough cleaning of baths and bathroom after use.
Sex with a partner who has or who carries hepatitis may result in you
contracting the virus.
The risk can be reduced by using a condom, however, it must be remembered
that hepatitis is often present in body fluids such as saliva, sperm
and vaginal secretions, as well as around the area of the rectum and
as such, activities such as oral sex or in some cases, kissing, may
lead to contracting the virus.
|
