Hepatitis A, B and C are all diseases caused by a virus, which attacks the liver. In contrast, course and outcome of these diseases are different, like how viruses are transmitted.
There are three types of hepatitis.
* Hepatitis A
* Hepatitis B
* Hepatitis C
Hepatitis A:
This is the only hepatitis that is not serious and heals spontaneously without leaving a trace. It is sometimes translated by an acute infection, if the symptoms often go unnoticed.
Hepatitis A is spread very easily, mainly through fecal and oral, i.e. in case of poor hygiene when food is prepared for example by a person with hepatitis A, which did not washed their hands or by contaminated water. This type of hepatitis is common in developing countries. It should be noted that hepatitis A can also be transmitted through sexual contact, but it is rare. Finally, there is a vaccine, traditionally the proposed subject to risks or staying in a country where the disease is common.
Hepatitis B:
Like hepatitis C, hepatitis B is dangerous and can be fatal. It is transmitted through sexual contact, blood (intravenous injection, transfusion) or from mother to child during childbirth. In nearly 90% of cases, the virus is eliminated naturally, but in one case out of ten, he persists and the disease progresses to a chronic form, which can then lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer. Attention, the virus can be transmitted by a healthy (which has not developed the disease) but carrying the virus. There is a vaccine to guard against hepatitis B.
The fragile subjects are more likely to develop chronic hepatitis: the elderly, transfused and so on. Among the more specific symptoms of hepatitis B advanced include joint pain and rash.
Hepatitis C:
Hepatitis C is transmitted mainly through blood. In the past, blood transfusions were responsible for 80% of cases of hepatitis C. This is no longer the case today and the virus is transmitted mainly by sharing needles while injecting drugs, and at a tattoo and a piercing made in unhygienic conditions. The transmission is possible through sexual and mother to child during birth, but such cases are rare.
There is no vaccine to protect against hepatitis C. In 30% of cases, those infected spontaneously eliminate the virus. Otherwise, 7 patients over 10 develop the disease. As for hepatitis B, the problem is there are many healthy carriers, which could spread the virus without knowing it.
The disease is unpredictable. The acute infection is often asymptomatic. Then, liver function may improve or worsen for several months, even years. 20% of people develop cirrhosis, a disease that can lead to liver cancer.
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