Hepatitis A spreads through human contact, faecal contamination of food or water, and raw shellfish harvested from polluted water. It is rarely fatal, and usually the patient can overcome with own immunity or by taking an available vaccine.
Hepatitis C is highly contagious passing through bodily fluids. In majority of cases, patients have no pre-warning symptoms.
People who are infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C (HCV) virus may develop a chronic infection that can lead to cirrhosis which may develop into liver cancer. The risk of such probability is ten times greater than the general population without both HBV or HCV.
For those with chronic HCV infection, the strain is usually not risky as to cause liver cancer. However, this risk is increased coupled with cirrhosis especially alcohol-related which may be fatal, accounting for most liver transplants and chronic liver disease. There are currently no vaccine to combat this virus. Only antivirals and protein interferon can be used to prevent viral replication.
Hepatitis B is caused by a DNA virus, infecting 1 out of 35 adults. As the incubation period is rather long lasting 1-6 months, the symptoms are not noticeable and thus many do not know they carry the virus. 75% of them recover from the illness whilst the reminder go on to develop cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Majority of carriers contracted the virus from the mother at birth. Given their low immunity then, the virus overpowered the weak body easily. That being the reason why immunoglobulins and vaccinations have to be administered during this period of time. Only in the later part of their life that when blood test is conducted do they realise that being carriers is a lifetime affair. There are instances where upon reaching their 20s the growing bodies energise to fight off the virus with their immunity. However, unsuccessful attempts can cause liver inflammation that may lead to liver damage and cirrhosis.
There are some people who are infected with this virus without their knowledge. This happens when there is contact with infected blood and bodily fluids (eg semen an saliva) of a carrier eg, the use of contaminated syringes, needles, transfused blood and sexual activity. The avenue is through close physical contact with break in skin or mucous membranes. The condition can turn chronic if left unattended for more than 6 months. However, most adults are able to fight off the disease without any external help.
Even without cirrhosis, liver cancer can still occur. Receiving antiviral therapy to treat chronic HBV infection may lower your risk for developing liver cancer.
Remedial actions
+ Vaccination no longer works if one is already infected with the virus. Hence, early vaccination is one way of prevention. Majority of the people take the set of 3 injections to develop an immune response.
+ Blood screening is recommended for those with family history, many sex partners and immigrants from endemic areas. If infected with the virus, the liver condition must be examined to determine the extent of the damage.
+ Certain herbs are known to be effective against the virus and improve liver function.
-- Licorice is a fine example well-documented for antiviral activity.
-- Olive leaf extract, phyllanthus, turmeric, garlic are some combating agents.
-- Milk thistle extract contains silymarin, a flavonoid that has been shown to aid in healing and rebuilding the liver.
-- Artichoke, burdock, dandelion, schiandra are some herbs that can help to promote the regeneration of liver cells.
+ Eat a raw vegetable and fruit diet for 2-4 weeks. Vegetable juices like carrot and beet are great. Avoid alcohol, all fats, animal protein, raw fish and shellfish, sugar and highly processed foods.
+ Those infected with any of the viruses should keep to good personal hygiene and be isolated to prevent spreading.
VIVA corner
VIVA Biogarlic contains allicin, ajoene and other sulphur compounds that are effective in resisting virus and other pathogens.VIVA Germanium boosts the immunity quickly to counteract viral infections.
VIVA Floraguard to repopulate the intestinal flora for an enhanced immunity.
a vital role in filtering out harmful substances from our bloodstream. If it became inflamed, tender and enlarged, normal functions cannot be performed efficiently and toxins can build up and nutrients not properly absorbed. In such instance, a medical report with liver readings should indicate leakage of liver enzymes into the mainstream.
Signs and symptoms
+ Acute or chronic - depending on the type of Hepatitis
+ Tiredness, weakness, fatigue and loss of stamina
+ Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and anorexia
+ Fever and flu-like symptoms
+ "Dark-colored" urine
+ Yellowing of the skin and sclera (if jaundice occurs)
For Hepatitis B, C or D -
+ Skin rash
+ Aversion to smoking, weight loss