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Hepatitis B and C
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WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW Hepatitis (hep-uh-TIE-tis) is an inflammation and swelling of the liver, often due to viral infection. There are many types of viral hepatitis, including A, B, C, D, and E. There is no cure or special medicine for any of them, and it may take weeks or months to recover. The disease can leave lasting effects. Causes The hepatitis viruses that cause these diseases travel easily from person to person. You can get hepatitis B by having sex with an infected person. A pregnant woman with hepatitis B can pass the disease to her baby. Hepatitis C, on the other hand, is usually picked up by using dirty needles to inject drugs or by getting a blood transfusion from an infected person. Sometimes the source of the infection can't be determined. Signs/Symptoms Early signs are fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and tiredness. Later you may have jaundice (yellow eyes and skin). Your urine may be darker in color and your stools may be lighter in color. You may, however, have no symptoms at all. Care Medicine is available to reduce liver swelling and irritation, and to relieve other problems these diseases can cause. If your condition becomes serious, you may need to go to the hospital. Risks With or without treatment, there is a possibility of damage to the liver, liver failure, or liver cancer. Fatalities can result. WHAT YOU SHOULD DO - To keep from spreading the infection to others:
- Don't share dishes and eating utensils. Wash dishes and utensils in boiling water or an automatic dishwasher, or use disposable ones.
- Avoid close contact with other people, including kissing. Don't have any sexual contact, including oral and anal sex, until your doctor tells you it is okay.
- When having sex, use a latex condom to help prevent the spread of hepatitis B and other infections.
- Wash your hands well before eating and after using the toilet. Be careful not to touch your bowel movements.
- Wash clothing and bedding at the hottest water setting.
- Clean toilets with a product that kills germs.
- You will feel tired and tire easily for quite a while. Get plenty of rest. You don't need to stay in bed. When you are feeling better, slowly return to your normal activity.
- Even if your appetite is poor, try to eat a balanced diet. Eating several small meals a day may be helpful. Drink at least 8 glasses (soda-can size) of water each day.
- Until you recover, do not take medicines that contain acetaminophen. These will make your liver work harder. Be sure to check the label of all medicines that you buy.
- Don't drink any alcohol (including beer and wine) for several weeks. Alcohol also makes your liver work harder.
Call Your Doctor If... - You can't drink fluids or you vomit after you eat.
- You develop a rash, itching, or swelling of your abdomen or legs.
Seek Care Immediately If... - You feel confused or unusually sleepy.
- You have vomiting or diarrhea that lasts longer than a few days, or you develop severe abdominal pain.
- You have signs of water loss, such as dry mouth, excessive thirst, wrinkled skin, little or no urination, or dizziness or light-headedness.
- You find that you bruise easily.
IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE HOSPITAL... What to Expect While You're There You may encounter the following procedures and equipment during your stay. - CT Scan: This computerized x-ray will be used to take pictures of your liver so that the doctor can check for problems.
- Liver biopsy: In this test, a special needle is pushed through the wall of the abdomen and into the liver. A small sample of liver tissue is then removed for study.
- Taking Vital Signs: These include your temperature, blood pressure, pulse (counting your heartbeats), and respirations (counting your breaths). A stethoscope is used to listen to your heart and lungs. Your blood pressure is taken by wrapping a cuff around your arm.
- Pulse Oximeter: You may be hooked up to a pulse oximeter (ox-IM-uh-ter). It is placed on your ear, finger, or toe and is connected to a machine. It measures the oxygen in your blood.
- IV: A tube placed in your vein for giving medicine or liquids. It will be capped or have tubing connected to it.
- Blood: Usually taken from a vein in your hand or from the bend in your elbow. Tests will be done on your blood.
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