How is hepatitis spread from one person to another?

How is hepatitis spread from one person to another?

Hepatitis A can be spread from close, personal contact with an infected person, such as through certain types of sexual contact (like oral-anal sex), caring for someone who is ill, or using drugs with others. Hepatitis A is very contagious, and people can even spread the virus before they feel sick.

Is the hepatitis virus easily spread?

Hepatitis B (HBV) is 50 to 100 times easier to transmit sexually than HIV ( the virus that causes AIDS). HBV has been found in vaginal secretions, saliva, and semen. Oral sex and especially anal sex, whether it occurs in a heterosexual or homosexual context, are possible ways of transmitting the virus.

What is the incubation period for hepatitis?

The incubation period of hepatitis A is approximately 28 days (range 15 to 50 days). The clinical course of hepatitis A is indistinguishable from that of other types of acute viral hepatitis. The illness typically has an abrupt onset of fever, malaise, anorexia, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, and jaundice.

Does jaundice spread from person to person?

While jaundice itself isn’t contagious, it’s possible to transmit the underlying causes of jaundice to another person. This is the case for many viral hepatitis causes. If you notice any yellowing of the skin or other symptoms of jaundice, contact your doctor right away.

Can I work with hepatitis?

Can an employer withdraw a job offer after they learn I have hepatitis B? No, because the majority of people with hepatitis B are healthy, productive and able to perform their jobs. Unless you have severe liver disease, hepatitis B does not impair your ability to be a teacher, nurse, doctor or home health aide.

How long does alcoholic hepatitis last?

With severe alcoholic hepatitis, the mortality rate at 6 months, even with corticosteroid treatment, is approximately 40%. Although many patients continue to have ascites and evidence of significant liver disease (low albumin, prolonged prothrombin time), some patients show a dramatic improvement.

How long is hepatitis contagious?

You are most contagious soon after you are infected. Adults who are otherwise healthy are no longer contagious two weeks after the illness begins. Children and people with weak immune systems may be contagious for up to six months.

Can hepatitis B spread by toilet seat?

Hepatitis B is NOT transmitted casually. It cannot be spread through toilet seats, doorknobs, sneezing, coughing, hugging or eating meals with someone who is infected with hepatitis B.

Can I work even if I have hepatitis B?

Having hepatitis B should not impact your ability to obtain employment. However, we realize that people with hepatitis B often face discrimination in the workplace. In the U.S. workplace, this primarily impacts healthcare providers (physicians, nurses, physical therapists, etc) who have hepatitis B.

Do people recover from alcoholic hepatitis?

The presence of alcoholic hepatitis is a red flag that cirrhosis may soon follow: Up to 70 percent of all alcoholic hepatitis patients eventually may go on to develop cirrhosis. Patients with alcoholic hepatitis who stop drinking may have a complete recovery from liver disease, or they still may develop cirrhosis.

Can you fully recover from alcoholic hepatitis?

There is no cure for alcoholic hepatitis, but treatment will aim to reduce or eliminate symptoms and stop the progression of the disease. Scarring of the liver is permanent, but the liver can repair some of the damage.